Local businesses, engineers, researchers, and university students dabbling in the world of 5G will now have the facility and tools to test and develop their innovations.

Through a partnership between SaskTel, Samsung and Innovation Saskatchewan, two wireless 5G labs have been unveiled in Saskatoon and Regina.

Stephen Wiktorski, Head of Networks at Samsung, says these labs are the first of their kind in Saskatchewan, and two of the four that exist in Canada.

“This is big for Samsung, because although we are one of the biggest companies in the world, we don’t have an innovation lab with any of our other customers anywhere else in the world. This is a first for us. So, this is a pilot program for us just as much as it is for you guys.”

He explains that 5G has applications that extend beyond cell service, such as auto-piloted farming equipment, lag-free gaming, and smart cities.

“What’s significant in this lab is it’s a contained environment, so you can actually see all the data, all the messaging. But you’re also going to get access to support from engineers that really know what they’re doing. SaskTel’s engineers, but also Samsung’s engineers.”

Another potential application of 5G could be a real-time patient monitor in the back of an ambulance.

“An ambulance is flying through the streets, and it wants to do live video of the patient who’s lying there. All the stats, all the data, all the bits and pieces the doctor needs to know and stream it in real time to a doctor who’s in the ER.

Businesses or individuals wanting to utilize the lab can sign an online application and schedule a time slot, free of charge.

Both labs are located at Innovation Place in their respective cities.