Social media group protests potential sale of SaskTel

When it comes to Saskatchewan's telecommunications company SaskTel, a new group on social media has a clear message "not for sale."

The group Save SaskTel formed after Premier Brad Wall discussed Tuesday what the sale of the Crown corporation could look like.

Wall had said if the province were to get an offer, potentially in an amount high enough to eliminate its operating debt, the salewould go to the public for a vote. The debt is currently $4.1 billion.

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On Friday morning, the group had nearly 3,200 likes on Facebook and under 200 votes on Twitter.

"It's time to show our support for SaskTel and help educate Saskatchewan residents on the pros to keeping the Crown corporation instead of selling it to the highest bidder," the group posted on Wednesday.

Financial concerns

Melody Stark, a Moose Jaw, Sask., residentis one of the group's supporters.

She works four jobs and said she's worrieda privatized SaskTel would meanhigher ratesand less money for the province.

"It's really hard right now with the economy being as it is to survive. Having to have a provider coming in that's going to charge crazy rates for stuff is just not acceptable," Stark said.

If this goes, this is going to be a really sad day.- Melody Stark, SaskTelsupporter

She said keepingSaskTelpublic keeps the power in the hands of the people.Stark said she'll protest ifany sale is proposed.

"If this goes, this is going to be a really sad day. I know a lot of the other provinces made the mistake already, and I'm definitely going to be supporting any movement that people get together and support keeping it public. I'll be there," she said.

Wall clarifies on Facebook

In a Facebook post on his own page, Wall further clarified the government's position on selling SaskTel.

He said there is currently no offer on the table, and that any sale would need to be approved in a province-wide referendum.

For now, there is no offer and nothing would take place without your say.- PremierBrad Wall

"SaskTel is a well-run company, a good employer and part of our history as a province," Wall wrote.

"For now, there is no offer and nothing would take place without your say."

However, Wall went on to add thatSaskTel is the only regional telecom left in Canada and that it is "simply difficult" for a telecom like that to keep up with infrastructure investments and pressures from large carriers.

He said any offer of significance would need to include ways to keep rates low, improve rural coverage andprotect jobs.

In anemail,SaskTelsaid it would not be commenting on the matter.

"Thanks for your inquiry.SaskTelwill not be commenting on the sale ofSaskTelnor on things such as the SaveSaskTelplatform," a company spokesperson wrote.

Online response

So far people are writing postson the Save SaskTel pageboth in favour of and against potential sale.

Aside from spreading its message, several posts on the page are encouraging supporters to contact their local MLA or Dustin Duncan, minister responsible forSaskTel.

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