A short time ago, businesses did not run on upload speeds. It was downloading that mattered – from whitepapers to webinars. Today, though, upload speeds have become critical to many businesses when it comes to eliminating livestream lag and confidently sharing large files and databases. We asked Ghia Schell-Matheis, when and more importantly why uploading became as important as downloading.

Ghia Schell-Matheis, product manager of Business Internet Services at SaskTel

What impact has the hybrid work environment had on technology?

As the world transitioned to an online environment, businesses started setting up home offices for their employees and using tools like Zoom, WebEx and Teams for multiple hours a day, making upload speed equally as important as download speed.

Outside the virtual boardroom, why are upload speeds important?

There is a growing need for businesses to share large files between these remote team members and back up data to the cloud. This is combined with the significant increase in needing to have a strong virtual business presence with things like live streaming, video conferencing and e-commerce. Businesses now operate with a mixed model of employees in office, at home or both, and this continues to drive the importance of increased upload capacity and speed.

How was SaskTel able to achieve symmetry before your competitors?

SaskTel is the only provider to offer a full-path fibre network to many locations across Saskatchewan and continues to invest millions each year to bring fibre to more communities. The fibre network allows us to offer symmetrical speeds, where upload and download speeds are the same. This has been very valuable to our customers as demand has shifted to see an increased need for sending information.

What can we expect in the future?

SaskTel is investing over millions into our network to expand infiNET throughout the province, including over 40 rural communities over the next two years, so that more Saskatchewan businesses can enjoy the increased bandwidth.

Will all businesses and organizations benefit from this technology?

Absolutely, with a reliable internet connection and increased upload capacity, businesses will expand beyond their traditional reach and go anywhere in the world. This is especially true for businesses that used to require face-to-face interactions like teachers, coaches, musicians, and counselors. Many churches have already evolved to live streaming their services to ensure they’re able to reach their members.

What does SaskTel consider when helping businesses choose their infiNET plan?

There are a lot of factors to consider when determining the upload and download speeds a business requires. The number of devices connected to the network and what those devices are used for are the largest considerations, quickly followed by the goals of the business. A business network can be as simple or sophisticated as the end user wants.

SaskTel offers many broadband options such as, Business infiNET, Business internet, Fusion Internet, and Business Mobile Internet. The availability of these services is dependent on your business location and a SaskTel Representative would be happy to discuss specific options available to you.

Please call 1-844-SaskTel to speak with a sales representative about a solution that’s perfect for you.