OmniGlobe Networks delivers broadband access on Manitoulin Island

The Canadian telecommunications company closes the digital gap in Northern Ontario

MANITOULIN ISLAND, ON, June 22 /CNW Telbec/ - OmniGlobe Networks Inc. is pleased to announce that it is now delivering essential broadband services to residents and businesses located in the unserved and under- serviced communities across Manitoulin Island. This project, which is part of the Manitoulin Wireless Broadband initiative, was led in partnership with Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation ("Blue Sky Net") and the local municipalities with financial contribution from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, FedNor and OmniGlobe. The aim was to enhance the existing infrastructure and services and provide access to more than 80% of the District of Manitoulin Island.

OmniGlobe, which has successfully deployed several fixed wireless networks across the province, has completed the nine-tower build and extended the broadband coverage from Meldrum Bay to Wikwemikong. Communities located around Barrie Island, Evansville, Gore Bay, Kagawong, Manitowaning, Meldrum Bay, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Silver Water and Wikwemikong are now able to enjoy affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access and benefit from advanced applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and video-conferencing services. Additional towns and villages including Birch Island and White Fish River are also expected to be added to the network over the next few months.

"We believe that every Canadian should have access to broadband Internet services, and we are extremely pleased to be part of this initiative" said Nigel Maund, Chief Business Development Officer of OmniGlobe Networks. "Access to better broadband technology will enable small businesses to flourish economically and will allow the permanent and seasonal resident population and tourists alike to remain connected, no matter where they are."

"We are so pleased to be able to partner with funding agencies such as Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and FedNor to work with the private sector. Our partnership with Omniglobe allows the residents on Manitoulin Island the opportunity to have access to e-services such as health, education, government and commerce. Businesses can compete globally and overall it is a positive opportunity for everyone who is interested in high speed internet services", stated Susan Church, Executive Director of Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation.

The broadband network, which is fully operational, has been designed to allow "open access" service and enables the local Internet Service Providers to offer the service to their existing customers. Residents will therefore have a choice of multiple providers, including OmniGlobe Broadband, OmniGlobe's broadband division, Vianet Internet Solutions ("Vianet") and MSD Computer Corporation ("MSD"). Interested parties are invited to contact the local operators via email or telephone:

OmniGlobe Broadband: [email protected] - tel: [phone]-OMNI (6664)

Vianet: [email protected] - Manitoulin local: 705-370-9996 - Toll Free 1-800-788-0363

MSD Corp: [email protected] - Manitoulin local: 705-368-2545

About OmniGlobe Networks:

Founded in 2004 and based in Montreal, QC, OmniGlobe Networks is a global telecommunications company that delivers reliable and affordable broadband, cellular and satellite communications products and services to regions around the world where conventional telecommunications are unavailable, unreliable or too expensive. Today, OmniGlobe's diverse customer base ranges from domestic consumers, aboriginal communities, oil and gas, mining and forestry markets to government agencies and private institutions worldwide. The company counts over 80 employees and sells its services in over 75 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.omniglobe.com

About Blue Sky Net:

Blue Sky Net assists in the development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) projects throughout Northern Ontario. Blue Sky Net believes that access to technology is crucial to the economic and cultural success of Northern Ontario. We have a three part approach to improving access to technology: expand infrastructure, improve knowledge and develop applications.

For further information: Media: Elsa Lebey, Marketing Manager, OmniGlobe Networks Inc., Tel: [phone] Ext 203, E-mail: [email protected]