ST. JOHN'S, NF, Oct. 25 -- Following the release of Aliant Inc.'s
(TSE:AIT) third quarter results which included the charge taken by Stratos
against its earnings, President and CEO Stephen Wetmore said that, "While
Stratos Global Corporation's special charge reduced Aliant's earnings, we
remain fully supportive of the measures Stratos has taken."
    "With its expertise in mobile and remote communications, Stratos
continues to be an integral part of our Aliant Premium strategy and we are
confident that our investment is strong. When we purchased our majority
interest in Stratos several years ago we said we believed in and supported its
strategy. We continue to do so."
    Stratos Global recently announced a CDN $340 million transaction to
acquire the Inmarsat, VSAT and aeronautical businesses of British
Telecommunications plc. Additionally, Stratos today announced the completion
of its acquisition of Datacom, a company that provides remote voice and data
communications to industrial users in the Gulf of Mexico through microwave and
satellite technology.
    "Stratos has enhanced its suite of solutions through a strategic
investment in wireless software developer, Telesis North, and was recently
awarded an exclusive 2-year contract for the provision of remote data, voice,
fax and high-speed data communications services for the Deep Ocean Odyssey
project. Yesterday's announcement of a new British Airways contract is further
good news. To us, this demonstrates their ability to focus and manage their
operations while accommodating growth," added Mr. Wetmore.
    The Aliant group of advanced technology companies and its staff of over
10,000 professionals delivers full service, integrated solutions through its
core lines of business: wireline and wireless telecommunications, information
technology, remote communications, and Internet-based business solutions. From
its base in Canada, Aliant serves consumer and business customers worldwide.

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For further information: Media inquiries: Robyn Tingley, Communications
and Public Affairs, Aliant Inc., 1 800 267-2057, (506) 694-6445; Analyst
inquiries: Doug McDade, Investor Relations, Aliant Inc., (902) 486-2788