Northwestel's digital cable TV customers in Whitehorse now have access to a new service that offers the convenience of DVD movie rentals without having to leave the house.

Video on Demand (VOD) is an interactive service which allows customers to order from an ever-changing library of movies and other programming using their digital TV remote control. Video on Demand programming can be watched at the customer's convenience at any time during the 24 hours following the placement of the order. Customers are able to pause, play, fast-forward, rewind, and watch the program as many times as they like. They are charged for the programming on their next bill. VOD differs from Pay Per View programming, which is only available at set times in the schedule and does not give customers the same degree of control over the program.

Northwestel is the only cable television provider of its size in Canada to offer this service to its customers.

"We are very pleased to be offering our customers this exciting new service," said Curtis Shaw, Northwestel Vice President, Consumer and Small Business Markets. "Northwestel is always looking for innovative ways to enhance the value of our communications and entertainment services. Video on Demand is a great example of a new technology that we are introducing in the North. We hope our Whitehorse digital cable TV customers will take the time to try out the service."

Northwestel's new Video on Demand service has a variety of free content ranging from Kids Unlimited and Science Fiction programming to sports programming such as NFL Network On Demand and Speed On Demand.

Northwestel will send all cable TV customers a letter with information about the new service, including tips about using parental controls. Similar information is available at www.nwtel.ca. Customers can also get help from Northwestel's Cable Care Centre by calling 393-2225, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

The company received approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on December 19th to introduce Video on Demand for its digital cable TV customers.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company's operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.