TELUS launches
services over Alberta SuperNet

TELUS Press Release - September 23, 2004

Edmonton, AB - TELUS today launched its first services over the Alberta SuperNet network since becoming an Alberta SuperNet Service Provider. As the Alberta SuperNet network build progresses and is turned up throughout the province, TELUS is ready to provide expertise and innovative Next Generation IP solutions to the Government of Alberta and public sector institutions over SuperNet.

"TELUS supports the Government of Alberta's SuperNet vision to enhance the lives of Alberta citizens and support innovative growth of Alberta rural communities and businesses through unleashing the power of the Internet," said Monty Carter, TELUS managing director, TELUS Business Solutions - Alberta. "TELUS is a leader in IP technology, and we will use our extensive reach and service capabilities in Alberta to deliver customer-driven solutions to SuperNet's end-users including provincial and local governments, learning and health institutions, libraries, and Aboriginal communities."

This initial launch of TELUS SuperNet Services includes Internet, hosting, and videoconferencing solutions. TELUS also consults on SuperNet readiness to end users and provides Voice Over IP (VOIP) and data equipment to connect to SuperNet.

These solutions will allow TELUS to offer Albertans significant benefits, such as:

• Students and teachers can more effectively and efficiently communicate and collaborate across the province and enhance education quality and learner outcomes;
• Schools will be able to more cost-effectively and securely manage their Internet use;
• Hospitals and medical staff will be able to enhance the quality and efficiency of health care delivery by providing healthcare information and services to remote locations;
• Municipalities will be able to offer enhanced services to their constituents when interacting with local government;
• Government departments will better safeguard information and important data in off-site data storage facilities; and
• Government departments will save on travel expenses by using new technologies such as IP video conferencing and collaboration software.

"With Alberta SuperNet, we now have an open and accessible platform which any commercial provider can use to deliver service to rural homes and businesses," said Victor Doerksen, Minister of Innovation & Science. "We're pleased that TELUS has signed on as an Alberta SuperNet service provider, and encourage other carriers to also take advantage of the network to expand their reach into rural Alberta."

"We are pleased to welcome TELUS as a valued customer of Axia's Real Broadband connectivity as they roll out new and expanded Alberta SuperNet-enabled services to Albertans across the province," said Drew McNaughton, President of Axia SuperNet Ltd.

TELUS SuperNet Services are available to public sector customers wherever SuperNet will be provisioned in Alberta. Actual TELUS services installation is contingent upon the SuperNet build being complete and operational for a customer's specific location. Customers may contact the Government of Alberta for SuperNet build schedule information.