VANCOUVER, BC--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 7, 2008 -- Norsat International Inc. (Toronto:NII.TO - News) (OTC BB:NSATF.OB - News), a leading provider of intelligent satellite solutions, today announced that it will launch its new miniaturized 40W Ku Band block up-converter ("BUC") at SATCON 2008. Norsat's 40W block up-converter is packaged in a compact 6.5 pound (2.8 kg) box, and is fully operational across the entire extended Ku Band.

"Our tissue-box-sized line of block up-converters, which we launched in 2007, has been extended to address higher power requirements," said Dr. Amiee Chan, President and CEO, Norsat International Inc. "This level of miniaturization is particularly relevant in flyaway, on-the-move and maritime systems. The diminutive size provides great flexibility to integrators who are seeking to mount the BUC directly on the antenna."

The key features of the new 40W BUC include:

 
--  Compact size - measures 138 mm (W) x 89 mm (H) x 231 mm (L);
--  Operational across the entire extended Ku Band (13.75 GHz - 14.50
    GHz);
--  A fully-contained power supply;
--  A universal mounting bracket;
--  Power detection;
--  Available with F and N connectors;
--  CE compliant

The unit will be on display at booth 617 at SATCON 2008 which is being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, in New York City, on October 15th and 16th, 2008. To book an appointment at the event, please contact Teri Vincent or Laura Garcia at 1-800-644-4562.

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.

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.

Distributed by Filing Services Canada and retransmitted by Marketwire

     For further information, contact:
      
     Dr. Amiee Chan
     President and CEO
     Tel: +1 (604) 821-2808
     Email: Email Contact
      
     Kristen Dickson
     The Equicom Group
     Investor Relations
     Tel: 416-815-0700 x 273
     Email: Email Contact