Regional Cablesystems to provide House of Assembly coverage to its customers 
across Newfoundland and Labrador

Regional Cablesystems announced today that it will broadcast the proceedings of the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature to its customers across the province, commencing later this month. Regional has been working closely with the provincial government over the past several months to formalize a partnership whereby its customers in the remote parts of the province would have access to the service.

"Regional is very pleased to offer this service to our customers in over 400 communities across rural Newfoundland and Labrador", said Brendan Paddick, president and COO of Regional Cablesystems. "Our customers will be able to witness our political leaders debate the critical issues concerning our province and we applaud Premier Grimes for providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with an opportunity to see these events unfold." Paddick adds that "Regional understands the significance of this historic event and is cognizant of the interest that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have in the political process of our province."

Premier Grimes noted that Regional's initiative is particularly important for rural Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Previously, anyone who wished to see House of Assembly proceedings had to visit the legislature in St. John's in person. With the legislature poised for television, people from across the province will be able to watch their representatives discuss the issues of the day from their homes. The premier indicated that "the government's policy of openness would not be complete without this significantly increased level of accessibility for rural Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Newfoundland based Regional Cablesystems provides cable television, high-speed Internet and telecommunications services to a diverse residential and commercial customer base in more than 1,100 communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Regional's parent company, Persona Inc., is a widely held public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbol: PSA).

Media contact:

          John Reid, VP Marketing & Communications, (709) 754-3775

          Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960

2001 11 06                             3:20 p.m.