Videotron Plans Cisco Launch

MONTREAL -- Videotron announced last December the pilot testing of a new technology aimed at substantially increasing the speed of its Internet service - a first in North America. Thanks to Videotron's partnership with Cisco® and its Wideband solution, Videotron is targeting during this pilot test to offer customers Internet speeds up to 100 Mbps, which is five times faster than its current Extreme Plus high speed Internet service. Today, Videotron reported that a substantial technological breakthrough is at its doorstep with the delivery of unprecedented levels of service when tested in Montreal - a breakthrough that should lead the way in the North American telecom market.

Positive tests results

For more than a month Videotron customers have been successfully experimenting with increased speeds based on the Cisco Wideband solution deployed on the existing, proven Videotron Internet Protocol Next Generation Network (IP NGN). Videotron and Cisco are projecting they will reach the 100 Mbps objective in the next few months while maintaining the recognized high stability of the Videotron IP NGN.

Technological advancement at our doorstep

"As a leader in providing Internet services to the Quebec market, Videotron is pleased to once again surpass the industry limits with its leading-edge technology, its high performance network and its partnership with Cisco. This alliance enables us to stand far ahead of the competition with regards to delivery of Internet services, not only in Quebec, but across Canada," said Robert Dépatie, Videotron President and CEO. "We are committed to offering Internet users the fastest and highest performance network on the market, and today, we are announcing that the technological breakthrough is attainable in the near future."

"As video on the Internet continues to drive the need for unprecedented levels of speed and bandwidth, cable and service providers are under increasing pressure to transform themselves from being a 'service' provider into an 'experience' provider in order to compete in today's competitive markets," said Surya Panditi, Vice President - General Manager, Optical Technology and CMTS Business Unit, Cisco. "With this new offering, the Cisco Wideband solution allows Videotron to optimize its IP NGN network and deliver a new 'Connected Life', providing consistent, high-quality end-user experiences - and effectively putting Videotron in a class of its own."

Potential launch in 2007

These tests will continue for a few months. Until then, Videotron aims at putting a good product offer together while targeting to possibly make this service more broadly available during the 2007 calendar year.

Vidéotron Telecom Ltd.