CALGARY -- Western Canada's most popular Internet provider, Shaw Communications(TSX:SJR.NV.B) (NYSE:SJR), announced today yet another significant enhancement to its high-speed Internet product. Over the coming months, customers can expect an increase in connectivity speeds of up to 40 per cent. Initially, the speed enhancements will roll out to Internet customers in Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo and Winnipeg with other markets soon to follow.

   The download speed of Shaw High-Speed Internet will be increased to up to 5Mbps (currently up to 3Mbps) and Shaw High-Speed Xtreme Internet will be increased to up to 7Mbps (currently up to 5Mbps). The speed increases will be passed onto customers at no additional charge.

   "As Western Canada's most popular Internet service provider, we're committed to evolving our Internet product on an ongoing basis to continually provide our customers with the most competitive product possible," said Peter Bissonnette, President, Shaw Communications Inc. "The enhanced speed levels we announced today will enable faster downloads of large files such as photos, videos and music which is quickly becoming one of the most popular uses of the Internet in the residential market," he said.

   In addition to today's announcement, Shaw has introduced a number of other upgrades to its Internet product over the last year. In December, it was the first communications company in Canada to include an Internet security package, Shaw Secure, as part of its high-speed Internet packages, representing a significant annual savings to consumers. The company also launched Shaw Messenger in December, allowing customers to send text messages online, in real-time, to friends, family and colleagues, exchange voice and video files and share applications.

   Last July, Shaw strengthened its leadership in the high-speed data market by deploying an advanced generation of cable modems based on the DOCSIS(TM) 2.0 specifications, representing about a 400% increase over the capacity of other cable modem systems.

   Additional enhancements will be made to Shaw High-Speed Internet later this month affecting the number of email accounts per residence and mailbox quotas.

Shaw Communications Inc.