Barrett acquires WiMAX licensed spectrum

    CONTINUES AGGRESSIVE ROLLOUT OF RURAL BROADBAND

    WOODSTOCK, NB, Aug. 23 /CNW/ - Barrett Broadband Networks is pleased to
announce its acquisition of wireless licensed spectrum through an agreement
with Alberta-based Pathcom Wireless Inc. The acquisition provides 3.5GHz
licensed spectrum throughout Western Canada and a significant fixed wireless
subscriber network in southern Alberta. The acquisition marks a substantial
step forward in Barrett's mission to provide broadband internet access and
applications to every rural Canadian.
    The transaction with Pathcom involves 37 licenses covering more than two
million households with 25 to 75 Mhz in spectrum across Alberta, British
Columbia, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. These
licenses are in the 3.5GHz spectrum, which is the international standard for
WiMAX deployment, a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last
mile wireless broadband. This positions the company well to capitalize on the
advantages of licensed spectrum, most specifically increased capacity to
support the strong demand for its rural broadband services.
    "The purchase of licensed spectrum is consistent with our focused mission
to provide urban-quality broadband to rural Canada," said John Maduri, CEO of
Barrett Xplore.
    Barrett also acquires Pathcom's fixed wireless subscribers and network in
southern Alberta, iPath Internet Services. Barrett will service the new iPath
subscribers under the brand name Xplornet. The integration of the iPath
network by Barrett will take place over the coming months. Pathcom will
continue to provide services to all iPath customers while the network changes
are underway.
    "Over the years, Pathcom built a solid and loyal rural residential
customer base, which I'm confident will be well serviced by Barrett," said
Chet Perry, president of Pathcom. "Pathcom customers are getting a broadband
provider that is truly committed to customer service, which includes free
technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
    Added Maduri: "To all of the current iPath customers, welcome to Barrett.
We'll work hard to earn your business every day."

    Barrett - through its Xplornet brand - is Canada's largest and fastest
growing wireless provider of rural broadband, with customers and dealers in
every province and territory. It is our vision to level the playing field and
bridge the digital divide for rural Canadians by ensuring that every Canadian,
regardless of where they live, work or play, has access to real broadband,
enabling them to compete effectively in the global economy, as well as
providing access to government and educational services.

For further information:

For further information: To schedule interviews or for more information
on rural broadband, contact: Morten Paulsen, Fleishman-Hillard Canada, (403)
399-3377, morten.paulsen@fleishman.ca