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To: zbyslaw owczarczyk who wrote (13558)	10/7/1999 10:23:00 PM
From: zbyslaw owczarczyk	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 18016

Kingston Communications to launch ADSL-based Digital Interactive Television Services KINGSTON Communications today announces the imminent launch of Europe's first ADSL-based interactive digital television service. Customers in Kingston's Hull area network will have access to a range of services - digital multichannel broadcast television, true video-on-demand, fast internet access, e-mail, and local news, information and shopping - delivered to their television set via copper telephone lines. The launch of the new service - to be branded Kingston Interactive Television - is planned to commence on 18 October, initially to a maximum 1,500 customers. This will be followed by a phased rollout to Kingston's 155,000 strong residential customer base. Kingston Group Chief Executive Steve Maine said: "This announcement maintains our position at the forefront of ADSL technology, creating one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in the world. "This is not just fast Internet, not just video-on-demand, not just digital television - but a full suite of services which is deliverable now over our existing network. We have worked with ADSL for several years and fully understand its capabilities. It is a universal technology - there are 800 million copper telephone lines globally - and we believe the kind of services we are offering will be adopted worldwide." Kingston's launch follows the completion of a deal with Newbridge Networks to supply their 3dSL digital media distribution system. This combines ATM switching, ADSL technology and IP routing and enables the rapid rollout of the service via Kingston's 14 local exchanges. Kingston will be able to deliver services at up to 4.5Mbps - ensuring picture quality comparable to other digital television providers. Kingston has already announced that Element 14, recently acquired by Pace, will supply set-top boxes for the service and Elmsdale Media will provide its YesTV video-on-demand service. BSkyB, Flextech and the BBC will provide multi-channel television content. Kingston Interactive Television - the services: digital broadcast television: up to 55 channels including Channel 5 - available for the first time in the Hull area video-on-demand: Elmsdale's YesTV will offer access to over 1,000 hours of film entertainment fast internet access: ADSL provides for access speeds up to 2Mbps. Kingston Interactive Television will provide its own portal with links to entertainment sites, with the Kingston Group's Internet Service Provider, Kingston Internet, providing the web access Local Link: a mix of information, entertainment and shopping with e-commerce applications and local news in association with the Hull Daily Mail Steve Maine said: "We will offer a range of services far in advance of other operators. The combination of digital broadcast television and interactive services - coupled with a strong local information element - creates a very compelling package. Underpinning the service package will be our strong customer care ethos. "As well as our commercial objectives, there is also an important social element. We believe Kingston Interactive Television will be a key driver in increasing access to the Internet - opening up opportunities for learning and communication across our network area. In due course, we will examine opportunities to export the service further afield." kingston-comms.com