PPSTN Program
PPSTN Radio
The Provincial Public Safety Telecommunications Network (PPSTN) is a collaborative radio communications system operated by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), SaskPower, and the RCMP.
Designed to support emergency response efforts, PPSTN enables seamless communication among a wide range of public safety organizations—including fire departments, police services, EMS, health services, conservation officers, highway patrol, corrections, wildlife agencies, First Nations, emergency management teams, and volunteer search and rescue groups.
With nearly 11,000 radios and over 290 repeater sites across the province, PPSTN enables wide-are coverage for critical operations. Although participation is voluntary, broad adoption significantly strengthens interoperability and enhances the effectiveness of emergency communications and coordinated response efforts.
Participation
Agencies must be authorized by their local jurisdiction to request radio equipment through the program. Qualified frontline agencies with approved radios may join and use the PPSTN.
Eligible Agencies
- Municipal fire and rescue services
- Municipal police and other enforcement agencies
- Emergency medical services and health facilities
- Provincial ministries and agencies
- Volunteer search and rescue chapters
- First Nations Emergency Management (FNEM)
To apply or request forms, contact the PPSTN Helpdesk:
- Phone: 1-888-953-3693
- Email: spsaclientonboarding@gov.sk.ca
Fees and Costs
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency retains ownership of all equipment it purchases and issues through the program and any devices allocated to user agencies.
User fees and funding
Provincial User Fee: User agencies pay $65 per radio per month to help offset network operating costs.
Funding Gap: The balance between the actual network cost and the user fee is subsidized by the Sask911 levy applied to consumer telephone bills as defined by The Saskatchewan Telecommunications Act.
Regulatory Licensing Fees: SPSA charges $41 per radio per year and $174 per base station per year as required by Spectrum Management under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Additional costs could include:
Shipping: The program covers shipping for the agency’s initial radio order. Ongoing shipping for maintenance or repairs is the responsibility of the user agency.
Installation: A written and video installation guide is provided with mobile (vehicle) radios. Professional installation is recommended to ensure correct operation and may incur additional costs.
Training
PPSTN radio training is available to agencies with a signed dispatch contract with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. Courses are offered online, in-class, or as a combination of both methods. Courses are organized into four short modules, taking about 1–2 hours each.
- Full Radio Training: Comprehensive training for new and experienced users.
- Essentials Radio Training: Refresher training suitable for new and experienced users.
- Tactical Communications: Multi-agency communication practices for all radio users.
For course administration, registration, or support, contact the PPSTN Helpdesk:
- Phone: 1-888-953-3693
- Email: ppstnradiotraining@pa911.com