Infosat will market and sell Iridium products and services everywhere in Canada, except the Northwest Territories, which will be covered by a separate agreement. Infosat has an extensive distribution network, with agents and distributors in major cities from coast to coast as well as in key centres serving outlying areas. In addition to providing sales training and support, Infosat will ensure customer service as well as handle billing.

``Our agreement with Infosat is an important step to bringing Iridium service to Canadians,'' said Maurice Rompre, president of Iridium Canada Communications Inc. ``With more than 10 years experience in providing specialized satellite services in Canada, Infosat knows the market and has an excellent track record for customer service and sales.''

Iridium Canada is the Canadian partner of the Iridium global wireless communications system, which will enable subscribers to communicate anywhere, anytime using a small hand-held telephone. The Iridium system will simplify communications for business professionals, travelers, engineers, foresters, residents of rural or underdeveloped areas, disaster relief teams and other users.

The Iridium system relies on a constellation of 66 low earth orbit satellites which route calls through space, rather than over extensive ground structures. Already 41 satellites have been successfully launched, including the last two sent into orbit on December 8 from China.

``Iridium is the ultimate mobile communications solution and we are extremely excited about marketing and developing the service in Canada,'' said Brian Nixon, president of Infosat. ``Iridium will offer people who need to stay in touch unprecedented freedom, convenience, flexibility and reliability.''

Vancouver-based Infosat Telecommunications (a division of NAV Communications Inc.) has been designing, installing and managing satellite networks since 1986. Infosat offers satellite services for radio, TV, international communications, and data networks.

Iridium Canada, formed in 1993 by BCE Mobile Communications, Bell Canada International and Motorola Canada Inc., is an investor in the global consortium that is developing and commercializing the US$4.7 billion Iridium system. In Canada, service will be offered through Montreal-based Iridium Canada Communications Inc., which manages and operates Iridium services and markets them in partnership with service providers such as Infosat Telecommunications.