MTS to expand CDMA wireless network in Manitoba

WINNIPEG , Jan. 28 /CNW/ - MTS Allstream Inc. is pleased to announce an expansion of its CDMA wireless network bringing coverage to eight new rural Manitoba communities in 2010, including the port of Churchill in northern Manitoba.

"We are excited to expand our mobile wireless services to new areas of our home province," said Kelvin Shepherd , President, MTS. "Our wireless network already provides the widest coverage available in Manitoba, with over 97% of the province's population enjoying cellular coverage. Expanding to eight more communities, including Churchill, is part of our commitment as Manitoba's leading wireless service provider to continue to invest in our network and services."

"Wireless communications are a great enabler, and this announcement is great news for the First Nations communities who will receive wireless coverage," said Ron Evans , Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. "I want to thank MTS for making this investment and helping to connect even more Manitobans with advanced services."

New wireless coverage will be provided to approximately 11,000 people in the following Manitoba communities:

    
    -   Churchill
    -   Split Lake
    -   Oxford House
    -   Snow Lake
    -   Bisset
    -   Middlebro
    -   Ebb and Flow
    -   Fisher River
    

These new cellular sites, which represent an initial investment by MTS of approximately $2 million , will bring the ability to make phone calls, access email and browse the Internet using a mobile device in these communities, and will allow existing MTS Mobility customers to use their phones in more places than ever before.

Work on installing the sites is already under way in several locations, and MTS expects wireless services to come on line in these areas throughout the first half of 2010.

About MTS Allstream

MTS Allstream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. As one of Canada's leading national communication solutions companies, MTS Allstream provides innovative communications for the way Canadians want to live and work today. The Company has more than 100 years of experience, with 6,000 employees across Canada dedicated to a mission of delivering true value as seen through the eyes of our customers. MTS Allstream has nearly two million total customer connections spanning business customers across Canada and residential consumers throughout the province of Manitoba. The Company's extensive national broadband and fibre optic network spans almost 30,000 kilometres. MTS Allstream is a proud sponsor of Cindy Klassen , 2006 World Champion and Canada's greatest Olympian, and a proud contributor to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.'s common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). Customers, stakeholders and investors who want to learn more about MTS Allstream services, markets, community commitments and record of creating shareholder value are encouraged to visit: www.mtsallstream.com.

For further information: Media: Greg Burch, MTS Allstream Corporate Communications, [phone], [phone], [email protected]; Investors: Paul Peters, MTS Allstream Investor Relations, [phone], [email protected]