TORONTO/SAINT JOHN – October 25, 1999 – Cisco Systems Canada Co. and NBTel announced today that they have formed a relationship to provide network management services to Cisco customers through NBTel Networks, a division of NBTel. These services are designed to provide local area network connectivity for large distributed networks at a fixed monthly cost per user. Cisco is working with NBTel to provide network monitoring, problem resolution, and performance management services on a non-stop basis, seven-days-a-week, 24-hours-a-day.

The new business relationship enables Cisco Systems Canada to extend support to its customers after installation, while allowing NBTel Networks to become a Cisco Network Operations Centre and expand its suite of services to include new levels of advanced management capability.

"Our agreement with NBTel addresses the challenges facing many organizations today," said Bob Singleton, director, Systems Engineering, Americas International, Cisco Systems Canada. "Our customers are concerned not only with keeping their networks up-to-date but also with hiring and retaining the staff needed to run the network while new applications are being incorporated. By combining Cisco's networking expertise with NBTel's strengths in network management, organizations are able to focus on their core business practices in a confident manner."

NBTel's management service helps organizations monitor, configure and maintain their networks, including the management of routers, hubs and switches, and coordinating with carriers and maintenance providers. The division also provides professional services such as network audits, design and implementation.

"Cisco Systems Canada possesses a great deal of depth in advanced networking technology and together we share many similar values," said Jim Brown, director of product management, NBTel Networks. " Both Cisco and NBTel provide customers with complete solutions, enhanced product offerings and services that are always up and running. NBTel has solid processes, reliable systems and professional people to develop fully managed networks for customers. By aligning ourselves with an industry leader like Cisco Systems Canada, businesses today are guaranteed the most advanced networking services on the market."

About NBTel Networks

NBTel Networks is a division of NBTel, a company that is recognized worldwide as a leader in telecommunications. NBTel Networks draws on the strengths of more than 2,000 IT professionals across Atlantic Canada to provide seamless service to its customers. They share their expertise in all areas of managing data networks, while providing reliable service to the global business community. NBTel's state-of-the-art Global Network Operations Centre, staffed by Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 support specialists, is a totally secure, self-contained management centre. Subdivided into seven main management centres of excellence, it is responsible for managing data and telecommunication networks and operates seven-days-a-week, 24-hours-a-day, every day of the year.

NBTel is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aliant Inc. (TSE:AIT), an Atlantic-Canada based advanced technology company that delivers full service, integrated solutions through its four core lines of business: wireline and wireless telecommunications, information technology, mobile satellite services, and emerging business solutions.

For more information visit NBTel Networks at www.nbtelnetworks.com, NBTel at www.nbtel.com, and Aliant at www.aliant.ca.

About Cisco Systems Canada Co.

Cisco Systems - with $12 billion (US) in revenues and over 19,000 employees - is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Established in 1990, Cisco Systems Canada employs over 380 Canadians and is headquartered in Toronto, with field sales and service offices across the country. In addition, Cisco also has a state-of-the-art development centre in Kanata, ON - focusing on the development of optical internetworking solutions to build the next generation of the Internet backbone.

The Internet is changing the way people work, live, learn and play - and Cisco Systems Canada is a primary agent of this change and a compelling example of the power of this revolution. By widely deploying business solutions based on the Internet, Cisco Systems saves over $500 million (US) per year in operating costs, has grown revenues by 100% in two years and has increased customer satisfaction at the same time. Cisco produces networking solutions for enterprise organizations, service providers and small/emerging businesses.

Contact:

• Gillian Hewitt
  Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
  Phone: (416) 961-5595 ext. 428
  Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO (24726)
  E-mail: ghewitt@cisco.com
  
  
• Robyn Tingley
  Corporate Public Affairs
  Aliant and NBTel
  Phone: 506 694-6445
  Pager: 1 800 267-2057
  E-mail: robyn.tingley@aliant.ca