DIG joins partnership to bring high speed internet to Northern Manitoba

- - Joint venture formed with two leading companies owned by Manitoba First Nations - -

TSXV:DUG │OTCQX:DSTFF

TREATY ONE TERRITORY, WINNIPEG, July 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Distinct Infrastructure Group Inc. ("DIG") (TSXV:DUG) today announced the formation of a joint venture partnership with Clear Sky Connections Inc. (CSC) and Broadband Communications North Inc. (BCN) to bring high speed internet to First Nations and surrounding communities in Manitoba.

The joint venture, called Clear Sky Indigenous Network, was formed to submit a proposal to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada for the design, engineering, construction and maintenance of the proposed Manitoba Backbone Network. The project, part of the federal government's Connect to Innovate program, will bring affordable, reliable high speed internet to 28 communities across Manitoba.

Under the joint venture agreement, DIG and its wholly owned subsidiary, Crown Utilities, will design and engineer the project in conjunction with Manitoba Hydro, and will perform all construction, maintenance and testing work between Manitoba Hydro's fibre backbone and the 28 communities to be served.  CSC will act as the project developer, while BCN will be the internet service provider, and will undertake 'last mile' construction and connection to individual customers.

The project is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, and be completed in December 2021. The first phase of the project will require approximately 2250 kilometers of fibre optic cable to be deployed.

"This project demonstrates the potential revenue synergies between Crown Utilities and DIG," said Joe Lanni, DIG's Co-CEO. "It is a strategic milestone for us, and we're especially proud to partner with two such respected organizations on a proposal to build sustainable, economical, and Indigenous-owned telecommunications infrastructure for communities across Manitoba."

"This partnership is exactly the kind of initiative we foresaw when we acquired Crown Utilities last year," said Alex Agius, DIG's Co-CEO. "We are pleased that the training of our new team members will take place right here in Manitoba as we build not only a fiber network, but a well-trained and sustainably-employed workforce."

About Distinct Infrastructure Group:

Distinct Infrastructure Group Inc. is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated firm providing design, engineering, construction and maintenance services to telecommunication firms, utilities and governments. Our service offerings include the design, engineering and delivery of underground and aerial construction, as well as inventory management and technical services.

Our mission is to be responsive to the current and future needs of our clients by delivering safe, turnkey solutions that positively impact the communities in which we live and work. We work wherever our clients need us, from our bases in Toronto and Winnipeg.

About Clear Sky Communications

Clear Sky Communications (CSC) is the largest Indigenous-owned telecommunications network in Canada implementing high-speed internet connectivity which will deploy thousands of kilometers of fiber optic cable into all Manitoba First Nations (MFNs).

About Broadband Communications North

Broadband Communications North (BCN) was incorporated in 2002 as a not-for-profit community driven network which initially targeted 28 un-served and underserved communities with broadband issues in Manitoba.  Since then BCN has been actively improving and expanding its network to serve more communities to facilitate equitable high-speed broadband.  BCN now services over 50 rural, northern and remote communities in Manitoba.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "anticipated", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Distinct is subject to significant risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward looking statements contained in this release. Distinct cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements and Distinct assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect actual events or new circumstances.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Distinct Infrastructure Group Inc.

Jay Vieira, Vice President, Corporate & Legal Affairs, [email protected], 416.675.6485