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Thursday, August 22, 2002
Aliant Telecom Announces Completion of $2.3 Million Broadband Network Upgrades in Northern New Brunswick

Saint John, NB -- Aliant Telecom, Atlantic Canada’s leading provider of dial and high-speed Internet service, today announced the completion of more than $2.3 million in upgrades to its broadband network in northern New Brunswick.

This project is part of the $85 million investment being made by Aliant Telecom across Atlantic Canada that was announced in June 2002.

“Aliant Telecom offers a unique high-speed experience, with service delivered over Digital Subscriber Lines (“DSL”) that provides customers with the ability to surf the Internet without tying up phones lines,” explains Brian Fitzpatrick, Marketing Director, Aliant Telecom Broadband. “Unlike other high-speed Internet services, Aliant Telecom delivers a dedicated line to each customer, providing the security, consistency and excellent service levels our customers rely upon every day.”

According to Fitzpatrick, Atlantic Canadians will soon see the added benefits of a DSL high-speed Internet connection as Aliant Telecom expands its enhanced broadband services. “Aliant Telecom’s high-speed Internet customers are going to see tremendous additions to their online experience as we deliver television programming, music and video over our network,” he explains. “Aliant Telecom is committed to delivering world-class technology to Atlantic Canadians and as part of this community we are extremely proud of this investment to continue to increase the capacity and capabilities of our broadband network in the region.”

Aliant Telecom provides high-speed Internet service to 60 percent of homes and nearly 90 percent of businesses in Atlantic Canada. As a result of substantial investment in its network, Aliant Telecom has increased its high-speed coverage by 20 percent since January 2001. As its customer base continues to grow, Aliant will continue to invest in the world-class infrastructure and equipment required to deliver dedicated, secure, high-speed Internet service to Atlantic Canada and build the foundation required to deliver enhanced broadband services to its customers.

About Aliant Telecom:

Aliant Telecom is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aliant Inc. (TSX:AIT). Aliant is a recognized leader in communications and information technology. From its headquarters in eastern Canada, Aliant develops pacesetting telecommunications technologies and commercializes them for customers, and for export through partners worldwide. Aliant complements its industry-leading telecommunications business with strengths in developing information technology and knowledge management applications. The company’ s 10,500 employees collaborate to deliver the highest quality of customer service, while consistently demonstrating innovative capabilities that drive growth in existing and new markets. Aliant is a TSX 100 company with a market capitalization of approximately $4 billion. With strong operations, and an equally strong financial position, Aliant offers investors sound growth prospects, while providing a growing sustainable dividend. More information on Aliant may be found on our Web site at www.aliant.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Heather Hampson
Public Affairs Manager
Aliant Telecom
1-800-834-0891
heather.hampson@aliant.ca

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