ATM Service and Equipment, Combined with Direct Connection to U.S. Internet Backbone, Attracts Leading Telecommunications Company in Portugal.

BETHESDA, Md. - CPR Marconi, the leading telecommunications company in Portugal, is using a satellite 22,300 miles above the earth to connect to the U.S. Internet backbone. In addition, CPR Marconi is using Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) - the advanced networking protocol originally designed for high-speed data transfer on terrestrial fiber optic cables - over the satellite link. Innovative satellite communications technology and service from COMSAT Corporation make it all possible. COMSAT's pioneering ATM via Satellite offers quality comparable to fiber optic cables, and meets rigorous standards set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Unlike fiber, satellites also allow customers to use and pay for asymmetric service (differing amounts of transmission capacity inbound and outbound). Additionally, ATM via Satellite is available at rates ranging from fractional T1 to DS-3. "Satellites are a powerful solution for the rapidly growing demand to transmit Internet and other networking traffic, because they offer reliable connections to virtually anywhere in the world," said COMSAT President and Chief Executive Officer Betty C. Alewine. "COMSAT's service, equipment and technology make ATM via Satellite affordable and practical for Internet Service Providers such as CPR Marconi."ATM is an advanced, broadband technology that enables high-speed, high-bandwidth applications - including voice, data, image, video, multimedia and Internet - to be sent over a single network simultaneously. Emerging as the networking protocol of choice, ATM supports transmission of high-resolution imagery, real-time broadcast video, telemedicine, computer networking, and Internet services.

COMSAT Digital Teleport Inc. is providing CPR Marconi with 2Mbps ATM via Satellite to the U.S. (primarily requests to U.S.-based web sites), and 8Mbps back to Portugal (to transmit graphics and other data-intensive web content). In conjunction with capacity on the INTELSAT 706 satellite, CPR Marconi is using COMSAT Laboratories' ATM via Satellite equipment -- known as the CLA-2000TM -- to facilitate the ATM link.CPR Marconi also has contracted with COMSAT's Digital Teleport in Clarksburg, Md. to send and receive the satellite transmissions, and provide access to the U.S. Internet backbone. COMSAT's Teleport features an on-site connection directly into one of the main Internet exchanges in the U.S., providing rapid access to Internet sites across the country. For further information on Internet backbone access via satellite, as well as ATM and other satellite services, equipment and technology, call COMSAT at +1 301 214 3420, or e-mail to cicinfo@comsat.com. COMSAT Corporation (NYSE:CQ) is a global leader in satellite services and digital networking services and technology.