Regina, SK – Access Communications, one of the province’s leading communications providers, continues to keep Saskatchewan connected in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Co-operative’s network has met the increased demands of its communities, like higher internet traffic and a record number of telephone calls. Additionally, Access is offering over 50 free preview channels to its communities and is providing provincial COVID-19 coverage on its Access7 channels.
“Our Co-operative’s mission is to provide exceptional communications and entertainment services to the people of Saskatchewan and that mission has never been more important than today,” said Jim Deane, CEO of Access Communications. “Access internet plans include unlimited data and always have. We are fully prepared to deliver on the increased demand for internet services to keep you connected – to your friends and family, to your workplace and to the latest news and entertainment. To ensure our communities have access to the latest information and to keep families entertained, we are offering free preview channels, including CTV News Channel, CBC News Network and more.”
Access has partnered with its network providers to offer free previews of over 50 channels. Channel availability varies by community. To view a full listing of free preview channels, visit myaccess.ca/tv/free-previews.
Access Communications recently completed back haul upgrades that will allow the Co-operative to continue to meet the ever-increasing customer demand. This extra capacity has maintained network performance despite significant growth in traffic during the traditionally non-peak hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm). Access is also seeing record numbers of landline telephone calls, exceeding past levels seen from Mother’s Day and other holidays.
Access Communications is raising COVID-19 awareness by utilizing its Access7 community channel with the following coverage:
- March 16-20 at 11:00 am: The Saskatchewan Health Authority conference in Saskatoon aired on Access7 channels provincially; followed by a daily Access7 program detailing current developments.
- March 20: Regina City COVID-19 Council meeting aired live on Access7 channels and online.
- Ongoing COVID-19 coverage daily at 11:00 am on Access7 channels.
Community Calendar on Access7 is featuring public service announcements on COVID-19, including information about symptoms, protecting yourself from the virus and Access’s measures to continue serving customers.
Access Communications Retail Stores have closed across the province effective March 20, 2020. This includes locations in Estevan, Humboldt, Melfort, North Battleford, Regina, Saskatoon, Weyburn, and Yorkton. The La Ronge retail store remains open currently. While the Park Street location in Regina will be closed to walk-in customers, the drive-thru will remain open to service our customers. Customers requiring assistance with their accounts will still have access to 24/7 support. For more information, visit: myaccess.ca/customer-care.
Access Communications is driven to make its communities better. By taking these steps, Access will continue to play a pivotal role in keeping the people of Saskatchewan connected. To see the latest update on Access Communications’ response to COVID-19, visit myaccess.ca/covid-19.
About Access Communications Co-operative
Access Communications Co-operative is one of Saskatchewan’s largest telecommunications companies, but we do so much more than provide reliable, affordable Internet, television, telephone and security services. What makes Access unique is our involvement in the communities we serve, especially through our Access7 community channels.
Access Communications began serving customers in 1978. For over 40 years, we have grown into a province-wide co-operative serving over 235 communities and 160,000 sq. km of rural areas in Saskatchewan. As a not-for-profit co-operative, we invest 100% of our earnings back into the communities and rural areas where we live and do business. To learn more about our Co-operative, visit www.myaccess.ca.