World's largest commercial communications satellite offers new capacity,
    groundbreaking multimedia services across North America

    OTTAWA,Oct. 7 2004 --
Telesat, one of the world's leading satellite
operators, launched a new era of satellite communications on October 1st with
the beginning of commercial service on Anik F2, the world's largest commercial
communications satellite.
    Telesat's Anik F2 also makes history as the first satellite to fully
commercialize the Ka-frequency band - a breakthrough satellite communications
technology for delivering cost-effective, two-way broadband services.
    "Anik F2 is living proof of Telesat's commitment to carry state-of-the-
art communications services to every consumer and every business, no matter
where they are," said Larry Boisvert, Telesat's president and CEO. "Not only
does Telesat's Anik F2 enable cost-effective, high-speed Internet access, but
it also opens the door to vast improvements in the delivery of both commercial
and public services."
    Telesat's customers will be using Anik F2 to unveil groundbreaking new
services. For example, Telesat and WildBlue Communications will deliver
high-speed satellite Internet services to consumers and businesses in Canada
and the United States respectively. Star Choice Communications will use Anik
F2 to enhance its direct-to-home satellite television offering. The satellite
will also figure prominently in the Government of Canada's plans to ensure
first-rate interactive healthcare, learning and e-government services, and to
provide Canada's remote communities with a window on the world.
    Telesat's Anik F2 payload consists of 38 Ka-band transponders, 32 Ku-band
transponders and 24 C-band transponders. The satellite, operating in
geostationary orbit from the orbital position at 111.1 degrees West Longitude,
will provide service for at least 15 years. During the month of September,
Anik F2 was in the 118.7 WL orbital location, where Telesat was able to bring
into use its full Ka-band network, linking a gateway earth station in Ottawa
with remote stations running a wide range of applications that will be used
for consumer services.
    The technology on Anik F2's unique Ka-band module is the product of a
public-private partnership formed between Telesat, the Canadian Space Agency,
Communications Research Centre Canada, EMS Technologies Inc. and COM DEV
International Ltd.
    Manufactured by Boeing Satellite Systems, Telesat's Anik F2 was launched
on July 17 on Arianespace's Ariane 5G rocket from Europe's Spaceport in
Kourou, French Guiana.
    For further information on Telesat's high-speed satellite Internet
services, please visit our web site at www.telesat.ca.

    About Telesat

    Telesat is a pioneer and world leader in satellite operations and systems
management. The company made history in 1972 with the launch of the first
domestic commercial communications satellite in geostationary orbit. Today,
Telesat competes with other top international satellite fleets in providing
telecommunications and broadcasting services throughout the Americas, and is a
leading consultant, operator and partner in satellite ventures around the
globe. Telesat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., a leading
communications company with shares listed in the United States, Canada and
Europe.




For further information: Marilynn Wright, Telesat, Tel: (613) 748-0123,
m.wright@telesat.ca; Dan Tisch or Melissa Chang (media only), Argyle
Rowland Communications, Tel: (416) 968-7311 x223/239,
dtisch@argylerowland.com or melissa@argylerowland.com