HickoryTech has launched its Digital TV service in North Mankato, Minn. and Janesville, Minn. A new entertainment option is now available to residents in these communities offering digital quality and customized packages at attractive rates. The state-of-the-art broadband network is one of the first of its kind to support Digital TV in Minnesota.

With the addition of North Mankato and Janesville, HickoryTech offers its triple play services of Digital TV, high-speed DSL, and local and long-distance phone service to 10 communities. North Mankato is located 85 miles south of the Twin Cities and includes more than 5,100 households. Janesville is located 75 miles south of the Twin Cities and has more than 800 households.

"HickoryTech's investment of nearly $4 million in North Mankato and Janesville to build an IPTV network is evidence of our commitment to provide local residents with high-quality, advanced Digital TV services," said Damon Dutz, president of HickoryTech's Consumer Solutions Division. "We are very excited to expand our Digital TV service using the most advanced platform available, which allows for additional enhancements in the future."

Renee Sass, a Janesville resident commented, "HickoryTech's Digital TV service provides excellent digital picture quality and the Select package allows my family to get exactly what we want at great rates." In addition Sass added, "I'm excited to get reliable cable service from a local company; the service technicians are very knowledgeable and responsive."

HickoryTech's Digital TV service includes:

• Customized TV packages, allowing customers to choose specific channels to create their own package or subscribe to a premium package with more than 200 all digital channels, including commercial-free music and local community programming
• State-of-the-art set-top boxes - a single set-top box will support three video streams or televisions
• Universal remote controls with onscreen program guide for all TVs
• Caller ID displayed directly on the television screen
• Easy-to-use parental controls to block programs by specific channel or rating
• Money saving Select bundle options

Residents may subscribe to HickoryTech's Digital TV as a stand-alone service or as part of a money-saving bundle including high-speed DSL with speeds up to 6 Mbps, local telephone, and long distance - all from one local company on a single bill. The signal offers a crystal-clear image and premium tier channel options including: a sports, pay-per-view and commercial-free music programming. The Internet protocol platform will support additional content and interactive applications in the future.

Digital TV service in North Mankato and Janesville is subject to availability. Service will be turned up in North Mankato as a phased in, neighborhood by neighborhood approach. Customers may contact HickoryTech to confirm availability. HickoryTech provides Digital TV service to the communities of Eagle Lake, Ellendale, Faribault, Janesville, Lake Crystal, New Richland, North Mankato, St. Peter, St. Clair, and Waseca.

HickoryTech is in the process of completing the Mankato infrastructure upgrade in effort to provide Digital TV service to Mankato residents this winter.

The deployment of Digital TV service reflects HickoryTech's strategy to offer competitive integrated communication services to residents within its geographic footprint.