Some SaskTel customers are frustrated their cellphones aren't equipped to donate to relief efforts in Haiti by text message. (CBC)

Cellphone subscribers with SaskTel accounts are out of luck if they want to use the text-messaging features of their handsets to contribute to relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

While other major carriers like Rogers, Telus and Bell allow customers to make an instant $5 donations to organizations including World Vision and Plan Canada by sending a quick text message, SaskTel lacks the technology to process the donations.

The texting program asks donors to press 'yes' to confirm their contributions or 'stop' to cancel.

SaskTel cell phones are not equipped to answer these prompts.

Some of the company's customers are expressing surprise that the Crown corporation isn't up to speed with technologies other major carriers have.

They're also expressing doubt that people will search out other avenues to donate to Haiti if they can't do it quickly and conveniently.

"It's like impulse shopping," said Gail Armstrong. "People tell you, 'We're in need,' and you respond. If you take time to go home and wait [until] after dinner and log onto the computer, you've probably long forgotten about it," Armstrong said.

"I'm surprised. I thought SaskTel was one of the leading edges of technology," she added.

However, the company is not ignoring the crisis in Haiti.

SaskTel has devoted a section of its website to earthquake relief and features a link to a federal government website listing charitable organizations.