Vancouver, Canada – October 15th, 2008 – Norsat International Inc.
("Norsat") (TSX – NII.TO; OTC BB – NSATF.OB), a leading provider
of intelligent satellite solutions, announced today that it has
established a WiMAX business unit to pursue satellite-enabled
WiMAX opportunities in emerging markets throughout Asia, Africa
and South America.

Satellite technology is critical to reliably and cost-efficiently
expanding the coverage reach of WiMAX networks in areas where
traditional terrestrial networks are not a feasible option, as it
can effectively link remotely-located WiMAX base stations to a
centralized switching infrastructure. With an increasing number of
WiMAX deployments in rural regions, there is an emerging demand
for satellite-enabled networks. Norsat's satellite systems technology
leadership and network design expertise enables the company to
provide the optimal satellite backhaul solution in a hybrid
WiMAX-satellite communication network.

"Satellite-enabled WiMAX is a strategic extension of our core
capabilities," said Dr. Amiee Chan, president and CEO, Norsat
International Inc. "As a leading provider of portable satellite
systems and network design services, we are a key enabler of
deployments in remote areas. We believe by capitalizing on our
understanding of satellite capacity optimization, remote satellite
communication management and network engineering, and partnering
with players in the WiMAX space, we will be well positioned to
establish a strong foothold in this burgeoning market."

Norsat plans to leverage its satellite communication expertise and
work with telecommunications operators and other technology partners
to provide end-to-end satellite-enabled WiMAX network solutions for
wireless broadband access and voice, data and video communication
services. These solutions are expected to include: base stations,
voice, data and video content servers, operations support systems,
satellite backhaul solutions and satellite capacity.

"Approximately 3 billion people now use mobile phones, but only 400
million have a high speed internet connection," Dr. Chan added. "We
are seeing an increasing number of mobile phone, PDA and laptop users
accessing the Internet over satellite-based WiMAX connections, especially
in emerging markets. We believe the launch of this business unit will
introduce new revenue streams, help drive our push into the commercial
market segment and further extend our global reach."

About Norsat International Inc.
Norsat International Inc. designs, engineers and markets intelligent
satellite solutions for high-speed data transmission. The company's
portfolio of capabilities include: microwave components; fixed,
transportable, ultra-portable, vehicle-mounted and maritime
satellite systems; turnkey maritime navigation and communications
systems; and end-to-end network services. Norsat is headquartered
in Vancouver, Canada, with offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Lincoln,
United Kingdom; Stockholm, Sweden; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Rome,
Italy; and Daejeon, South Korea. Additional information is available
at www.norsat.com, via email at investor@norsat.com or by phone at
1-604-821-2808.

For further information, contact:
Dr. Amiee Chan
President and CEO
Tel: 604 821-2808
Email: achan@norsat.com

Kristen Dickson
The Equicom Group
Investor Relations
Tel: 416-815-0700 x 273
Email: kdickson@equicomgroup.com

Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this news release relating to matters that are not
historical fact are forward-looking statements based on current
expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to
differ materially. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include, but are not limited to, general economic
conditions,changes in technology, reliance on third party
manufacturing, managing rapid growth, global sales risks, limited
intellectual property protection and other risks and uncertainties
described in Norsat's public filings with securities regulatory
authorities.

This information should be read in conjunction with Norsat's
audited consolidated financial statements and related notes
included therein for the three months ended June 30th, 2008, and
the Management Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended
June 30th, 2008. All of the company's financial statements are
prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles (Canadian GAAP). Additional information may be found at
www.norsat.com.

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