Northwestel’s digital cable TV customers in Yellowknife now have access to a new entertainment 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.  VOD 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 and there are no subscription fees.

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

“We are very excited to be offering our Yellowknife customers this 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. This is a great example of a new technology that we are introducing in the North for the convenience and enjoyment of our customers.”

Video on Demand 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’s new Video on Demand service offers access to recent releases and hit movies from distributors such as MGM, 20^th Century Fox, Warner Brothers and Paramount/Dreamworks.  Some sample titles that are now available include Slumdog Millionaire, Marley & Me, Quantum of Solace, The Wrestler and Australia.

The service also 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 is sending all Yellowknife 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 1-888-423-2333, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions and entertainment services 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.