Nobilis Health Corp. N.HLTH

NHC ANNOUNCES OVER $800,000 ORDER

[ErickSodhi]

NHC ANNOUNCES OVER $800,000 ORDER FROM MAJOR US CLEC - - Contract heralds launch of significant DSL market penetration MONTREAL, Jan. 12 /CNW/ - NHC Communications Inc. (TSE: NHC) today announced that it has received an order valued at more than $800,000 for its VCCS(TM) (Virtual Cross-Connect System), which facilitates DSL testing and deployment for telecommunications companies. The order was received from one of the top 10 CLECs (Competitive Local Exchange Carriers) in the US. Presently, two VCCS(TM) units have been deployed in the field, with very convincing results. A third unit has been deployed in the CLEC's laboratory, where additional testing and development of possible applications is being carried out. Nine additional VCCS(TM) units will be deployed during January and February. ``In terms of both this customer and the telecommunications market in general, this purchase order has opened the door to significant opportunities, which we are currently pursuing,'' said Sylvain Abitbol, President and Chief Executive Officer of NHC. ``We are confident that this significant purchase order will be a catalyst for a ramping up of VCCS(TM) sales.'' DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology for bringing high-bandwidth information to homes and business users over ordinary copper telephone lines. Customers with access to DSL services can receive data at rates up to 8 megabits per second in optimal conditions, enabling continuous transmission of motion video, audio, and even 3-D effects. The exploding DSL deployment market is seen as a key element in widening access to high-bandwidth Internet applications. NHC's VCCS(TM) technology facilitates DSL testing and deployment by providing state-of-the-art telecom grade automated cross-connect switching capabilities as well as remote access. The VCCS(TM) solution is particularly advantageous for CLECs, who can dramatically reduce their need to access remote installations and collocation facilities by using NHC technology to manage their DSL testing and provisioning needs. ``This contract represents a turning point for NHC, and is testimony to the soundness of our decision to focus on switching solutions and, more particularly, on the telecommunications market,'' said Mr. Abitbol. ``With the explosion of the Internet and the increasing demand for high-bandwidth content and applications, NHC's position as a niche leader will result in unprecedented growth opportunities,'' said Mr. Abitbol. NHC Communications Inc. (TSE : NHC) specializes in developing products that increase the competitive edge of its customers by applying innovative technology to the delivery of high-speed mixed media networks. NHC is committed to its customers by delivering superior solutions for physical layer network infrastructures. -0- 01/12/2000 For further information: Sylvain Abitbol, President and CEO, NHC Communications Inc., Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Internet:[e-mail]; Sylvain Brossard, vice-president Finances and Operations, NHC Communications Inc., Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Internet: [e-mail], Web Site: www.nhc.com To request a free copy of this organization's annual report, please go to www.newswire.ca and click on reports@cnw.