(printer friendly version)

October 1, 2003 –-Los Angeles, CA— Federal Hill Communications, a leading provider of content solutions for digital platforms worldwide, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Canadian telecommunication provider SaskTel, to offer video-on-demand consultation services. Federal Hill will consult and advise SaskTel on strategy, business modeling, content licensing, contract negotiation, content management and other ancillary programming services. Additionally, Federal Hill will work closely with SaskTel in developing long-term relationships with the studios. SaskTel received its video-on-demand license earlier this month from the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) and launched their VOD service, branded Max Front Row, on September 30th, 2003.

SaskTel’s Max Front Row digital video-on-demand service allows subscribers to preview, order and play on-demand content via a Max set-top box. Subscribers can easily access the Max Front Row programming library via the interactive TV guide or the Max Portal. In addition to Hollywood movies, the Max Front Row library will grow to include children’s cartoons, TV sitcoms and dramas and prerecorded sporting events. Additional features that enhance the entertainment experience include search capabilities, previews, links to websites and password protected parental controls.

“We look forward to guiding, assisting and negotiating on behalf of SaskTel with the Hollywood studios. SaskTel has a VOD vision that will compete with current cable and satellite offerings to the residents of Saskatchewan. This is yet another example of telephone companies recognizing and escalating their plans to become true communications and entertainment companies. We are proud to be working along side them,” said Bethany Gorfine, President and CEO of Federal Hill Communications.

“Federal Hill’s expertise in negotiating with Hollywood Studios will be extremely beneficial to SaskTel,” said Mike Anderson, SaskTel’s Vice President Marketing. “Developing a long-term relationship with the studios will enable SaskTel to provide our customers with quality video-on-demand programming.”

About SaskTel
SaskTel is the leading full service communications company in Saskatchewan, offering complete wireline, wireless, internet and e-business solutions over a state-of-the-art, digital network. SaskTel maintains investments in companies that provide a variety of products and services. Visit SaskTel at www.sasktel.com.

About Federal Hill Communications
Federal Hill Communications is a leading facilitator of studio negotiations for digital movie content and general entertainment programming from independent producers worldwide. Federal Hill’s programming specialists provide guidance to clients throughout the content procurement process including the acquisition, selection, negotiation and refreshing of content. Offering full-service customizable content solutions for VOD platforms, Federal Hill remains committed to meeting the content needs of diverse clientele worldwide. Federal Hill’s global client base includes cable operators, technology companies, systems integrators, telephone companies and hotels. For more information about Federal Hill Communications, please visit www.federalhill.tv.