NORRIS ARM, Newfoundland and Labrador,Dec. 10 2004 --The Exploits
Centre for Information Technology Excellence (EXCITE) Corporation is the lead
partner in developing the Information Technology (IT) economy of the Exploits
region by attracting IT investment and by increasing the infrastructure and
capacity for IT throughout the region.
    The EXCITE Corporation, along with its partners, Industry Canada, Aliant,
the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Province of Newfoundland
and Labrador, and the communities of the Exploits Valley are happy to announce
that high-speed Internet services are available in the Town of Norris Arm.
Norris Arm is the first community in Newfoundland and Labrador to receive
high-speed Internet as part of the Broadband for Rural and Northern
Development Pilot Program Project (BRAND).
    "Broadband helps build community and connects people," said the
Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, on behalf of
the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Joe
McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "This
investment in high-speed Internet is an investment in the future of this
province and this country."
    Total project funding is $2,070,724, which has been made available by a
combination of private and public-sector sources. Funding in the amount of
$1,021,569 has been made available by BRAND. BRAND is a national program of
the Government of Canada, which is committed to bringing broadband service to
rural communities where it can help surmount the barrier of distance.
    ACOA has provided $446,525 through its Strategic Community Investment
Fund, which is designed to support strategic initiatives that respond to the
economic development needs of Atlantic Canada and help communities strengthen
their economic base.
    "Broadband access is an essential and powerful public investment which
provides communities like the Exploits Valley region with an invaluable tool
to create their own opportunities and I congratulate all those who have worked
to make this a reality," said Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor.
    Other funding partners, Aliant and The Province of Newfoundland and
Labrador have contributed $388,352 and $49,968 respectively with the remainder
comprised of in-kind contributions.
    Tom Rideout, MHA for Lewisporte District and Minister of Transportation
and Works, speaking on behalf of Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation,
Trade and Rural Development said, "Broadband is an important tool for economic
development. Being able to attract new business to a region depends, in part,
on being able to offer up-to-date infrastructure, especially high-speed
Internet access. This new initiative will provide the region with the
technology it needs to compete nationally and internationally."
    "Aliant was pleased to be selected as the technology partner for this
exciting project," says Heather Tulk, Vice-President, Broadband and Marketing,
Aliant. "Expanding and enhancing our broadband network will provide
much-anticipated business and customer solutions to Exploits Valley area
residents."
    The EXCITE Corporation was one of 33 organizations selected to receive
assistance from Industry Canada to deploy broadband service to their community
under the BRAND program. The EXCITE project will grow to encompass 12
communities in the Exploits Valley.
    "The business world today depends very heavily on its use of the
Internet. It is imperative that the citizens of the Exploits Valley have equal
access to the technologies available to those people and businesses in more
urban centres of our Country," said Walwin Blackmore, Chairperson of the
EXCITE Board. "Otherwise we will find ourselves at a disadvantage when trying
to compete."
    The Exploits Valley has taken proactive steps to position itself as a
knowledge-based economic region in Canada and the implementation of this
project will create new ways to deploy civil and business services in the
region resulting in new economic opportunities. In addition, this project
gives the region a unique position in attracting new business and people by
promoting a progressive living and business climate associated with growth.
The creation of this network will solidify the region and be an excellent tool
for generating interest, not only from companies, but also from needed
experienced IT professionals.
    More information on BRAND can be accessed at http://www.broadband.gc.ca.



For further information: please contact: Joe Piercey, Project Manager,
EXCITE Corporation, 16 High Street, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, A2A 2J3, Phone:
(709) 489-8729, Email: it@excitecorp.nf.ca;
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