01/08/2006
NetKaster Brings Broadband Internet to Rural Alberta

The introduction of a breakthrough satellite technology is making affordable Broadband Internet available for the first time in many rural and remote communities in Alberta.

The NetKaster Broadband Satellite Internet service is now available throughout Alberta. The expansion builds on NetKaster’s current service in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, launched a year ago. The new service is available to both residential and business customers.

“Rural Alberta residents finally have an affordable Broadband Internet service with the launch of NetKaster Satellite Internet,” said Curtis Shaw, General Manager of Northwestel Cable, which offers the service. “These customers no longer have to wait for other companies to wire their neighbourhoods for Broadband Internet service. NetKaster provides an excellent service that is available today. It is aggressively-priced to reduce the cost barrier for families, and is much faster than what these communities have had access to before.”

NetKaster download speeds are up to two megabits per second, and upload speeds are up to 500 kilobits per second. That’s up to fifty times faster than dial-up Internet service.

“I’ve had the NetKaster service for almost a year now and it’s fantastic,” said Leo Lareau of Baker Lake, Nunavut. “Compared to other Internet services that we’ve tried, NetKaster provides faster download speeds, better service and more economical pricing. I feel lucky to have a service that meets so many of our needs.”

Lareau and his family use the Internet to download music, send and receive emails and messages, do homework, play games, and check the weather and the news. “Things went well right from the beginning,” added Lareau. “The installation technician helped us set everything up, so it was very easy for us. As well, NetKaster’s technical support is excellent. Whenever I call, I get the help I need right away. Of course, the service is so good, I’ve only had to call for technical support twice in the past year.”

NetKaster is powered by Telesat Canada’s Anik F2 satellite. The service is the result of an agreement between Northwestel Cable and Telesat Canada.

NetKaster packages begin at $59.95 per month, and NetKaster has also introduced a new equipment package for $349, offering the lowest equipment pricing in Western Canada. To find out more, or to book installation, customers may visit www.netkaster.com or call 1-877-991-5600.

Northwestel Cable Inc. provides cable television and Broadband Internet services to residential and business customers. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwestel Inc., which provides complete telecommunications solutions for the 110,000 residents of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon and northern British Columbia. Northwestel’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada. Northwestel is wholly owned by Bell Canada.

Telesat is the leading satellite service provider in Canada. The company is credited with launching the world's first domestic commercial communications satellite in geostationary orbit, and for launching the world's first commercial satellite with Ku-band capacity. Today, Telesat competes with other international satellite fleets in providing telecommunications and broadcasting services throughout the Americas, and is a leading consultant, operator and partner in satellite ventures around the globe. Telesat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc, a leading communications company with shares in the United States, Canada and Europe.

For more information, contact:

Shane Riley
Manager - NetKaster
Northwestel Cable
(867) 920-3680
sriley@nwtel.ca
www.netkaster.com

Anne Kennedy
Director Corporate Communications
Northwestel
(867) 668-5439
akennedy@nwtel.ca

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05/12/2005
Northwestel Cable & Telesat Canada
Bring Affordable Broadband Internet to NWT & Nunavut

Northwestel Cable has signed an agreement with Telesat Canada to provide broadband service to rural communities in two of Canada's northern territories. This new technology will provide Satellite Broadband Internet this summer to select northern communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

The new service, called NetKaster, delivers affordable two-way, Broadband Internet service to residential and business customers using a small satellite dish. Four service packages will be available, with speeds up to 50 times faster than Dialup Internet.

Northwestel Cable will initially launch service in July in Rankin Inlet, Rae-Edzo and along the Ingraham Trail, on the outskirts of Yellowknife. The NetKaster service will be expanded later this year to additional communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

"This new technology will bring affordable Broadband Internet to areas that were previously unserved," said Curtis Shaw, General Manager of Northwestel Cable. "We are excited to be able to use cutting edge technology to help improve the quality of life for people living in remote locations."

Customers are encouraged to visit the NetKaster website at www.netkaster.com for information on the upcoming service. The website includes information on the product packages, frequently asked questions (FAQs), a distributor sign-up form and availability by community. Pricing will be announced in the following weeks.

Northwestel Cable Inc. provides cable television and Broadband Internet services to residential and business customers. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwestel Inc.

Telesat Canada is a pioneer and world leader in satellite operations and systems management. The company made history in 1972 with the launch of the first domestic commercial communications satellite in geo-stationary orbit. Today, Telesat competes with other top international satellite fleets in providing telecommunications and broadcasting services throughout the Americas, and is a leading consultant, operator and partner in satellite ventures around the globe. Telesat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., a leading communications company with shares listed in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions for the 110,000 residents of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon and northern British Columbia. The company's operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada. Northwestel is wholly owned by Bell Canada. For more information on Northwestel, please visit www.nwtel.ca.

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