VANCOUVER, B.C., August 06, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Gitxsan Government Commission (GGC) has chosen Alternet Systems Inc.'s (OTCBB:ASYI) 1Nterlink(tm) server platform to drive their high-speed, wireless Internet initiative. The GGC worked with Alternet and Bell Canada to provide a cluster of 6 small northern BC communities with low-cost, high-speed Internet access. The Gitxsan Government Commission recognized the need for broadband Internet access in their area and worked with the neighboring communities to aggregate enough demand to build and operate their own Internet Service Provider (ISP) business.
This solution allows the GGC to operate as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the community, serving schools, government, business and residential users. Back-end Internet connectivity is being provided by Bell Canada and local distribution to end-users is being achieved via Cisco wireless equipment. Alternet's 1NterLink server allows the Gitxsan corporation to manage the user base, and to provide services such as e-mail, website hosting, streaming video, and a significant increase in Internet access speed.
Alternet worked closely with the Gitxsan and Bell to configure a solution that met the needs of the community, at a price point that made sense. "We are proud to be part of an initiative that allows these remote communities to benefit from high-speed Internet access at comparable prices to urban centers" said Greg Protti, Alternet Systems Inc.'s, Vice President of Business Development.
The Gitxsan ISP solution will provide broadband connectivity to the communities of Hazelton, New Hazelton, South Hazelton, Hagwilget, Two Mile and Gitanmaax, British Columbia. Users will now be able to obtain high-speed access from any location in the coverage area, simply by installing a wireless card in their PC or laptop. This is one of the first ISP projects of its kind in Canada and is an excellent model for other remote or rural communities who desire cost-effective, high-speed Internet access.
The Gitxsan's Internet connectivity program represents a $300,000 capital investment, making this initiative a highly economical solution for remote community high-speed Internet access. Industry Canada estimates that there are over 4,700 such communities in Canada currently without high-speed Internet access.
Alternet Systems Inc.
Alternet Systems Inc. is a leader in providing cost-effective, high-speed Internet solutions to educational, professional and commercial organizations using their 1NterLink, SchoolWeb and CommunityWeb software. Further information can be found at www.alternetsystems.com
Bell Canada
Bell Canada, Canada's national leader in communications, provides connectivity to residential and business customers through wired and wireless voice and data communications, local and long distance phone services, high speed and wireless Internet access, IP-broadband services, e-business solutions and satellite television services. Bell Canada is wholly owned by BCE Inc. For more information please visit www.bell.ca
Cisco Systems Inc
Cisco Systems, Inc. is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at www.cisco.com.
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