Star Choice, MDU Communications Sign Agreement Targeting 200,000 Multi-Dwelling Units In Quebec
Montreal, Quebec
Star Choice Communications Inc., MDU Communications Inc. and APQ (The Quebec Landlord Association) today signed a master agreement to deliver competitive television services to the Association's membership.
The agreement will enable Star Choice and MDU Communications to offer its digital satellite service to APQ's 4,800 members, which together represent more than 200,000 units. APQ's President Martin Messier stated, ``We are pleased to provide an alternative that will deliver quality choices for entertainment and information services to our membership regardless of the size or architecture of the buildings.''
At yesterday's information session, Star Choice reiterated to members of the Association that consumers will be given the right to choose and exclusive agreements will not be required of owners and landlords. ``Contrary to demands sometimes imposed by the competition, we give tenants the freedom to choose between cable services and the superior satellite technology offered by Star Choice,'' said Linda Ahern, Vice President, Quebec.
``Entering into this agreement will give owners an additional advantage: multiple dishes will no longer have to be installed on their buildings according to the viewing preferences of their tenants. One small dish affixed to the roof is all that will be required to serve the entire building,'' added Doug Harvey, Director Commercial Services for Star Choice.
Star Choice will provide service to the urban rental market, both in Quebec and the rest of Canada, in conjunction with MDU Communications Inc. of Richmond, British Columbia, a Star Choice National Master System Operator. President Gary J. Monaghan was among those who addressed Quebec landlords at the Sheraton in Montreal. ``The Quebec market which represents about 25% of the total units in Canada is very important to us and this agreement will also allow MDU to deploy other new technologies to the marketplace,'' commented Mr. Monaghan.
About Star Choice Communications Inc.: A wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Satellite Communications Inc. (TSE:SAT - news), Star Choice Communications Inc. is Canada's first direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast service provider and was ranked as the country's fastest growing technology company by Canadian Business magazine for two consecutive years. With more than 400,000 subscribers, Star Choice carries more than 200 audio and video channels nationally, with new channels added regularly. Canadians can purchase Star Choice equipment at more than 4,000 locations across the country, including Radio Shack, Future Shop, Canadian Tire, Sears, Leon's, The Brick, Stereo Plus, Dumoulin and La Cle de sol.
About MDTV: MDU Communications International, Inc. (OTC:BB:MDTV) is a leading provider of premium telecommunications services such as digital satellite television, high-speed broadband Internet and in-suite monitored security services to the North American multi-dwelling unit market place, estimated to include 30 million residences. MDU Communications (USA) Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MDTV, is a DIRECTV system operator. MDU Communications Inc., a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of MDTV, is a National System Operator for Star Choice Television.
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For more information, please contact:
Linda Ahern Vice President, Quebec Star Choice Communications Inc. Tel: (514) 336-1051
Suzanne Roch Continental Communications Tel: (514) 396-5170
Sheldon Nelson CEO MDU Communications Inc. Tel : (800) 794-9076
www.mduc.com
SOURCE: MDU COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
