Stratos Global Corp. acquires BT's Aeronautical & Marine Division in 
    $340 million dollar deal
    
    TSE:AIT

    ST. JOHN'S, NF, Aug. 31 /CNW/ - Aliant Inc. (TSE:AIT) today welcomed the
news that its remote communications business has been strengthened through
Stratos Global Corporation's (TSE:SGB) $340 million (Cdn) agreement to acquire
the Inmarsat, VSAT and aeronautical businesses of British Telecommunications
plc. (collectively, "BT A&M"). Remote communications is one of Aliant's
strategic lines of business, which is primarily conducted through Aliant's
majority ownership of Stratos Global Corporation.
    The transaction, expected to be completed this year, is subject to
regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
    "Aliant and its Board of Directors are very pleased to support Stratos'
acquisition of BT A&M," said Stephen Wetmore, president and CEO of Aliant.
"This transaction will extend Stratos' geographic reach, enhances its maritime
capability and positions the company as a leading global provider of Inmarsat
and VSAT services. This latest acquisition is further evidence of Stratos'
aggressive growth strategy at work and the effective leadership of President
Derek Woods."
    "As Stratos continues to expand its products and markets, it adds
significant value to Aliant and to Aliant Energy Services, our newest division
that provides the petroleum and other energy sectors with fully integrated
communications and IT services. Through our collaborative efforts, Stratos,
along with Aliant companies like xwave, Aliant Telecom and AMI Offshore bring
together the professional expertise and technologies required in the oil and
gas industry," explained Mr. Wetmore. "This type of partnership, focused on
delivering results to our customers in this sector, is a true example of our
Aliant Premium(TM) growth strategy at work."
    Recently, Aliant announced that its Executive Vice President and CFO,
Robert Benson, would become EVP and CFO of Stratos Global on August 1. "This
acquisition and Bob's presence inside the corporation solidly demonstrate our
belief that Stratos can become the leading worldwide provider of remote
communications solutions," said Mr. Wetmore.
    The Aliant group of advanced technology companies and its staff of 10,000
professionals deliver full service, integrated solutions through its core
lines of business: wireline and wireless telecommunications, information
technology, remote communications services, and internet-based business
solutions. From its base in Canada, Aliant serves North American and
international customers. For more information, visit Aliant at www.aliant.ca.

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For further information: Investor Inquiries should be directed to: Doug 
McDade, Investor Relations, Aliant Inc., 1-877-248-3113, (902) 486-2788; Media 
Inquiries should be directed to: Robyn Tingley, Communications and Public 
Affairs, Aliant Inc., 1-800-267-2057, (506) 694-6445