Deloitte partners with SaskTel to bring AI solutions to market

Deloitte has entered a strategic alliance with telecommunications company SaskTel to expand AI capabilities in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

The alliance will focus on developing and launching service capabilities and facilities, including an “AI factory.”

The joint venture will combine Deloitte’s AI consulting resources and sectoral knowledge with SaskTel’s network infrastructure, including tier-three data centres.

The proposed AI factory will provide cost-effective AI solutions to sectors such as healthcare, mining, and agriculture.

Additionally, Deloitte will establish an applied AI lab in Saskatchewan that will work with academic institutions to drive R&D and innovations and develop sector-specific AI solutions.

"Canada’s future relies on building strong, sovereign, and safe AI and digital infrastructure. This alliance shows how together, Deloitte and SaskTel are enabling the application of responsible AI innovation to help secure our nation’s place as a global leader in the digital economy and to help all Canadian organizations be more competitive globally,” said Anthony Viel, CEO of Deloitte Canada.

SaskTel provides landline telephone, mobile networks, and broadband internet services to 1.4 million customers in Saskatchewan. The province-owned telco also has subsidiaries that deliver related services in data centres, cloud, security monitoring, and consulting.

SaskTel has approximately 3,200 employees and annual revenue of $1.3 billion.

“With SaskTel’s world-class fibre infrastructure and skilled workforce, this project has Saskatchewan poised to become a leader in the digital economy. We are excited for what the future holds and proud to be a valuable centre for next-generation technologies,” said Jeremy Harrison, minister responsible for SaskTel.