Look and UBS to Launch Mobile Video Services in
Ontario and Quebec
TORONTO, ONTARIO and MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(CCNMatthews - Dec. 8, 2004) -
Look Communications Inc. (TSX VENTURE:LOK) and Unique Broadband Systems,
Inc. (TSX VENTURE:UBS) today announced that they have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding whereby they plan to jointly launch
hand-held mobile video services in Ontario and Quebec. The Mobile
Broadband Video Network (MBVN) will first be launched in Toronto and
Montreal and will eventually cover the population-dense corridor from
Windsor to Quebec City.
The MBVN will provide over 80 channels of live video, data carousel
broadcasting channels and over 100 channels of digital audio
broadcasting. New handheld devices, the size of a normal PDA, have been
developed and will be in beta tests in mid-2005, with the service launch
planned for early 2006.
Customers will be able to use these new mobile broadband devices to
organize their schedule, watch live news, sports, entertainment and
traffic reports and receive data casting channels in the palm of their
hand. In addition to receiving live video, audio and data capability,
these handhelds are capable of storing substantial numbers of movies,
songs and photos for subscribers' use at any time.
"Mobile Video is fast becoming a reality in North America," said Gerry
McGoey, Vice Chairman and CEO of Look Communications Inc. and Chairman
and CEO of Unique Broadband Systems, Inc. "The know-how and the
intellectual property, combined with today's existing cellular
subscriber base and video and audio users, will enable the Mobile
Broadband Video Network to bring Canadian customers the mobility they
have come to expect in their daily activities."
UBS was the Canadian company that developed, designed and built the
mobile video network in over 2,000 public transportation vehicles in
Singapore. UBS was also the Canadian contractor that developed, designed
and built the terrestrial network for deployment by XM Satellite Radio
Inc. throughout the USA.
"Our companies are very excited by the opportunity to bring mobile video
and data to customers, for their personalized use. No longer will
consumers have to be connected by wires or cable to meet their video or
data communications and information needs. Handheld mobility allows
customers to 'cut loose' and personalize these needs," added Mr. McGoey.
"The expertise in our group of companies will permit the years of
experience and technological know-how to offer customers the freedom of
mobility with the access of broadband so they can benefit from all the
flexibility that mobile broadband offers."
Mr. McGoey went on to state "Our companies are currently in discussions
for the building of the MBVN with potential suppliers, distributors and
partners".
About Unique Broadband Systems, Inc. ("UBS")
UBS is a publicly listed Canadian company that has investments in a
technology company and a 51% economic interest in Look. With its
licensed spectrum through its subsidiary, Look, UBS is a Canadian
digital television broadcaster and broadband wireless service provider.
UBS' web site may be found at www.uniquebroadband.com.
About Look Communications Inc. ("Look")
Look delivers a full range of communications services, including
high-speed and dial-up Internet access, Web applications, digital
television distribution and customer service to both the business and
residential markets across Canada. In addition, Look provides a number
of value-added services to meet its customers' needs, such as Web
hosting, domain name registration, Web mail, parental filters and virus
scanning. Look's web site may be found at www.look.ca.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
NATIONAL Investor Relations
Peter Block
(416) 586-0180
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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