May 28, 2002

News Release: IBI Group Chosen to Design Rural Fibre Optic Build for Alberta - SuperNet

AXIA NETMEDIA CORP ("AXX-T")
Axia SuperNet Ltd. has retained IBI Group to undertake the detailed design of the outside plant rural fibre optic network portion of the Alberta SuperNet. The Alberta SuperNet build is believed to be one of the largest fibre optic networks currently under construction in Canada. The Alberta SuperNet project includes the construction of approximately 13,000 km of fibre optic and wireless network with connections to approximately 4,700 end users. IBI Group has been retained to provide the outside plant detailed design services for the rural fibre optic portion of the network and customer access points.

IBI's role includes the field survey, detailed design of the fibre optic network and acquisition of all permits and right of way approvals for Axia to proceed with the construction of the network.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with such a capable firm as IBI Group," said Axia SuperNet Ltd. COO Drew McNaughton. "Our stringent review of potential firms showed that IBI Group is the best choice because of their depth of experience and ability to provide a complete solution for our fibre optic needs."

"IBI Group has been operating as a multi-discipline consulting firm in Alberta for 25 years and is delighted to be part of this exciting project to bring an IP broadband network to the entire province of Alberta," said Scott Stewart, Operating Director of IBI Group. "We are looking forward to working closely with the strong Axia SuperNet Ltd. team to complete this important Government of Alberta initiative. The project is truly an innovative approach to how public/private partnerships can deliver services in a timely and cost effective manner. This is a model to other governments that might be considering how broadband networks can be delivered."

About Alberta SuperNet

Alberta SuperNet is a Government of Alberta initiative to link 4,700 libraries, schools, hospitals and provincial government offices in 422 communities provincewide by the end of 2004. In addition, commercial service providers in areas which currently do not have high-speed connectivity options will be able to access Alberta SuperNet at current market rates, bringing competitive broadband services to most Alberta businesses and residences, whether they are in rural or urban areas.

The Government of Alberta will invest a maximum of $193 million over three years to build the sustainable and scalable network. As prime contractor for the build, Bell will invest $102 million to build the Base Area, the portion of the network linking 27 large communities. Axia SuperNet Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Axia NetMedia Corp. (TSE:AXX), has been sub-contracted by Bell to build the network's Extended Area, which connects 395 smaller communities. Axia SuperNet Ltd. also has a 10-year renewable contract from the Government of Alberta to operate and manage the entire network. For more information about the Alberta SuperNet see www.albertasupernet.ca or www.supernetportal.com.

About IBI Group

With a staff of over 500 people and offices in major cities across North America and Europe, IBI Group is a multi-disciplinary firm that provides a broad range of services to government and private agencies. The firm specializes in the application of information and communications technology to transportation, facilities, systems and urban environments. TEL: (416) 596-1930 Scott Stewart, Project Director, IBI Group Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. TEL: (403) 538-4107 Leone Bechard, APR Director, Communications,

Axia SuperNet Ltd. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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