ABL Canada Inc.: Michigan ISP Uses ABL's IM-42E Titan to Achieve Higher Speed Connections to the Internet - Higher speed access Achieved at Significantly Lower Cost.

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 1998--ABL(ME:ABL.) (TSE:ABL.) ABL Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the first installation of the IM-42E TITAN in the ISP industry. The IM-42E TITAN was chosen by West Michigan Internet Services (WMIS) to interconnect all of its remote Points of Presence (POP) and customer sites with high bandwidth requirements.

Consolidation and geographic expansion are the predominant forces driving the Internet Service Provider (ISP) industry. Connecting many remote sites to the Internet backbone is a problem. Options include either separate backbone connections for each POP or using an Internet Protocol (IP) router, via T-1 or T-3 lines, to connect each POP to a central site. Either method loads unnecessary costs and network latency onto an ISP's infrastructure. ABL's IM-42E dual Ethernet inverse multiplexer addresses these issues by connecting Ethernet LANs directly to multiple, standard T-1 lines for transport.

"This innovation means WMIS customers will get even faster connections because our operations are simplified, creating greater throughput efficiencies," said Rob Servis, President and CEO of WMIS. "Our POP connections are operating with 35 percent less latency. The performance of the ABL IM-42E will allow us to scale our network infrastructure cleanly and simply, providing superior service to our customers."

"This installation represents a major endorsement of ABL's ability to cost effectively enhance the speed of the Internet" said Bill McKenzie, ABL's President and CEO. "WMIS compared our product to alternative solutions from other major suppliers and chose the IM-42E based on its unmatched power, simplicity and cost effectiveness."

Implementing the IM-42E eliminates the remote router and the POP backbone connection, resulting in increased network performance by reducing latency. More importantly, the IM-42E provides aggregate bandwidth in T-1 increments to cost effectively bridge the T-1 to T-3 bandwidth gap. The IM-42E bonds together up to 4 T-1 lines for the transport of Ethernet traffic. Integrated CSU/DSUs and native LAN connections simplify installation and reduce the total cost to the end customer. Compared to the alternative of implementing a T-3 based IP router, the IM-42E solution is 65 percent less in capital costs and significantly lower in monthly recurring costs.

ABL Canada Inc. develops, produces and markets advanced digital equipment for companies choosing to enhance their network capabilities for the integrated, simultaneous delivery of multimedia voice, data and video. ABL specializes in video codecs, optical fiber multiplexers, Ethernet inverse multiplexers and broadband switches for multimedia transmission over optical fiber, ISDN, and Frame Relay networks, for wide ranging applications including distance learning, video conferencing, remote surveillance and broadcast and cable television distribution. ABL markets and services its products in over 51 countries through its offices in the United States, Canada and Europe and through a network of distributors and resellers worldwide. ABL is traded on the Montreal and Toronto stock exchanges under the symbol ABL.

West Michigan Internet Services (www.wmis.net), headquartered in Grand Rapids, provides dial-up and dedicated Internet connections for business, school and individual accounts.

A commitment to its credo "Simply Smart Technology" sets the company apart as an innovative leader in the ISP community. WMIS is a subsidiary of Raser Inc., a computer, network and software design company.

   CONTACT:  ABL Canada Inc.
              George Petrolekas, 514/344-5432
              514/344-5439  (FAX)
              http://www.abl.ca
                   or
              ABL Canada Inc.
              David Beiko, 514/344-5432
              514/344-5439  (FAX)
              http://www.abl.ca