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NEWS RELEASE (CNS679) -->> TEAM SOUTH WEST--CABINET
COMMITTEE TO EXPAND INFORMATION HIGHWAY




TEAM SOUTH WEST--CABINET COMMITTEE TO EXPAND INFORMATION HIGHWAY
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The Team South West Committee of cabinet recently met with
Maritime Tel & Tel on enhancing telecommunications services and
regional economic development in South Western Nova Scotia.

Chair of Team South West Allister Surette, met with MT&T
officials to outline the need to improve telecommunications
technology in Annapolis County.

The need to upgrade switching technology from analog to digital
was a key recommendation of the Western Valley Development
Authority and business leaders who met with Team South West last
month in Digby to explore economic prospects for the region.

"Digital systems are essential to effective, cost-efficient
telecommunications with our markets," said business leader Kevin
Temple, whose company sells its products on the international
market.

"The current analog switching systems and existence of party
lines in the counties of Digby and Annapolis are impediments to
competitiveness."

Maritime Tel & Tel is already in the process of eliminating party
line service in the few areas where it remains.

Mr. Surette said his discussions with MT&T were promising. "MT&T
is committed to working with the local business community and
educational institutions to support the infrastructure and
services necessary to take advantage of business opportunities,"
said the minister. "MT&T has always been a major player in the
economic development of the province and I was pleased to hear of
their willingness to partner with the South West region to
improve competitiveness, facilitate economic growth and support
local communities."

"MT&T is committed to helping Nova Scotia build a bright future
in the new economy and the information age." said MT&T
Innovations vice president Denis Connor. "We are committed to
working with government, communities and the private sector to
find solutions, solve problems and take advantage of
opportunities that create or sustain jobs and economic
development."

"South Western Nova Scotia has many competitive advantages. The
quality of life, a clean environment and a stable bilingual
workforce are all natural attractions to businesses including in
the growing knowledge based and telecommunications sectors," said
Mr. Surette. "It is important that we work as partners with
leaders like MT&T on the common objective of economic growth for
South West Nova Scotia."

The next step will be the formation of an alliance of the
business community and educational institutions with MT&T to
assess telecommunication needs and to develop a promotional
package aimed at attracting businesses to the region.

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Contact: Paul McEachern  902-424-2575

trp                     Oct. 18, 1996 - 1:20 p.m.