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In a statement, SaskTel spokeswoman Michelle Englot said the Crown corporation is “investigating the situation” and noted any device can be returned within 15 days of purchase if it is not meeting customers’ needs.

Englot said she could not comment further on the telecommunication company’s investigations.

Apple representatives did not respond to requests for comment.

Speaking from the U.S., Freberg said the phone appears to work fine outside Saskatchewan.

“Why would SaskTel sell a phone that’s not going to work well on their network?” he said, adding that beyond his frustration of not having a working phone, the problem could also be a public safety issue.

“People use these phones in emergencies and the only way you can get the phone to work once it goes bad is you actually have to reset the network settings on the phone.”

“It takes a fair bit of time for it to do that … I don’t know how a telecommunications company can promote a product and lock people into a long-term contract and then not be forthcoming with the issue.”

The dealer has treated him well and he doesn’t blame them for the problems, Freberg added.

While SaskTel offered to replace Freberg’s phone or provide him with a different device — an older iPhone or an Android phone — he would prefer to have an iPhone 11 Pro that works properly.

“At the end of the day, I’m sure between Apple and SaskTel they’ll get it fixed at some point, but sadly I am not overly optimistic given it has been going on for over a month and a half so far.”

amacpherson@postmedia.com

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