Migration From Legacy GIS Supports $280M Rural Fiber Initiative and Digital Equity for Underserved Communities
Cambridge, 13 March 2026 — Leading Canadian communications provider SaskTel has selected IQGeo’s Network Manager Telecom to replace its legacy GIS environment. IQGeo will provide SaskTel with a modern, AI-powered solution to help deliver its ambitious program to expand fiber broadband and 5G services across Saskatchewan.
The decision comes as SaskTel moves forward with a $280‑million program to bring fiber connectivity to nearly 200 smaller communities across Saskatchewan. With approximately 40,000 kilometres of fiber already deployed, SaskTel expects to invest a total of about $1.4 billion to extend last‑mile fiber connectivity to 85% of service addresses in the province by the end of 2027. Saskatchewan—home to 1.2 million residents and covering an area nearly the size of Texas—will be among the most extensively connected jurisdictions in Canada once the build is complete.
IQGeo’s mobile-first architecture, offline field capabilities, support for copper networks and open integration approach were decisive factors in the decision, offering faster deployment cycles and more seamless collaboration between back-office and field teams.
“Connectivity is about creating opportunities. For rural communities, reliable broadband means better access to healthcare, education and economic participation. With the support of IQGeo and Tech Mahindra, we are delivering on our commitment to provide cutting-edge communications solutions that will enrich the lives of Saskatchewan residents for generations to come,” said Charlene Gavel, CEO at SaskTel.
“Operators around the world have realized their legacy GIS tools that are no longer keeping pace with increasingly complex fiber networks and associated workflows. SaskTel’s decision reflects a shift toward intelligent systems that can deliver the speed and flexibility required to build resilient network infrastructure. We’re proud to work with SaskTel as they lead by example in bringing digital equity to some of the most remote communities in North America,” said Jay Cadman, SVP Americas at IQGeo.
This collaboration underscores IQGeo’s growing momentum as major telecom operators transition from legacy GIS tools to agile, field-proven solutions that are optimized for today’s fiber networks. In partnership with Tech Mahindra’s global delivery teams, IQGeo is scaling its software to meet the needs of complex fiber and 5G projects around the world.
Learn more about how IQGeo supports telecom operators on our customer stories page at www.iqgeo.com/customer-stories.
Contact
Annabel Niemann, Communications Director
press@iqgeo.com
About IQGeo
IQGeo is redefining how ambitious network operators plan, design, construct, operate and monetize their physical infrastructure. Guided by our mission of “Building Better Networks,” we deliver AI-powered geospatial software purpose-built for telecom and utility businesses that enables them to create accurate, live digital twins that form the foundation for agent-driven, self-managing networks. With native mobility at its core, our software transforms network data from across field and office into operational insight, cutting design and construction costs, improving process efficiency and enhancing safety and compliance. IQGeo’s solutions go beyond static maps to intelligent network models that power real-time decision-making.
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