CANCOM set to bring Internet to Small and Remote Communities with its new Internet Outpost Network Service.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 1995--CANCOM SATELLITE(TSE, ME: SAT ) Cancom (Canadian Satellite Communications Inc.) is announcing the availability of a turnkey, cost-effective package of Internet services known as Internet Outpost Network, specially for businesses in Canada's small and remote communities, using both it's VSAT two-way satellite and its VANNE terrestrial network capabilities.

Cancom's Internet Outpost Network will be marketed through local distributors or small cable operators. It will serve rural Canadians, in particular, by helping to build local business or extending the business of the local cable company. This should support Canada's interest in extending the reach of the "Information Highway" all through the country.

This new service is designed to provide small businesses with the infrastructure necessary to offer local consumers Internet services without long distance charges. It will be connected through the 400-plus site Cancom Data Network, that reaches across the country and will be managed through the company's powerful Master Control Centre in Mississauga.

This new Internet service will be all-inclusive providing: Customer Services Support - Customer Software - Web Site - Communication Links - Technical Support - System Maintenance - Network Operations.

First of all, Cancom will develop the individual network designs to provide the greatest flexibility and reliability to each local distributor. The connection will be done either through an existing Cancom site or through the installation of a small satellite system directly at the distributor's business site. Cancom will order the needed circuits, manage their performance and pass through the cost on the regular monthly invoice. All that is needed to start a local service is a few phone lines and a pool of modems to meet the consumer demand.

Secondly, as part of the Internet Outpost Network, a Cancom team of computer and communication specialists has been established with the sole purpose of supporting its remote distributors in establishing Internet connectivity.

These local distributors will be the essential link in promoting business opportunities derived from their community's presence on the Internet. Using the Internet, a local Chamber of Commerce can attract visitors to their community by promoting local events through their World Wide Web presence. Local businesses can also promote their products and service to the global market.

The Internet Outpost Network will also offer a series of different features according to client demand. They will range from an Executive Service providing 100 hours access per month and a 1-800 support to a Lite Service providing 30 hours access per month with a 1-900 support for a fee.

Other features unique to Cancom's service include a Nation-Wide Roaming Service that will provide Internet mobility to customers that are regularly on the move. They will be given a list of local phone numbers in all major cities across Canada where they will be able to access e-mail, World Wide Web and FTP without incurring any additional long distance charges.

The 1-800 Service Support will be available to the Executive Service users and distributors 24 hours a day. It will offer assistance with the operation and navigation of their service and provide training on Netscape, FTP and Newsgroups. The 1-900 Service Support will be available to all users, 24 hours a day, for a fee of $2.75 /minute for a maximum of 30 minutes. This service is intended to assist users with many of their basic Internet questions.

Alain Gourd, Cancom's President and CEO, stated that: "By using a unique centralised approach, Cancom will be able to establish Internet connectivity in small and remote communities that is very cost effective and reliable and requires little investment in equipment and personnel. Furthermore, this centralised approach makes it possible to offer a wide range of added-value services, such as the Nation-Wide Roaming Service, to all of our potential clients." The Internet is growing at a present rate of 160,000 subscribers each month. It is a network that spans 50 countries and reaches an estimated 17 million users.

Cancom is the foremost provider of digital satellite services in Canada, trading on the Toronto and Montreal Stock Exchanges. Created in 1981 to bring television choices and services to the remote and underserved communities of Canada, Cancom now serves 2,600 small cable undertakings reaching 3.6 million homes. Its Business Division is the leading provider in the country of customized satellite/terrestrial networks with all necessary management and services.

CONTACT: Patricia Dumas

Director, Communications and Public Relations 

Tel: [phone] or 905/272-6603

Fax: [phone] or 905/272-6691

e-mail: [e-mail]