Allstream and Tata Communications to Demonstrate "Elastic" (On Demand) Bandwidth Across Multiple Carrier Networks at Metro Ethernet Forum GEN14 Conference

Stock Symbol: MBT 

TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Allstream, Canada's all-business communications provider is pleased to announce that it, along with Tata Communications, will demonstrate an innovative "Elastic" Ethernet proof-of-concept at the Metro Ethernet Forum's GEN14 conference on November 17-20, 2014 in Washington, D.C.   MEF GEN14 is the global gathering of the Carrier Ethernet (CE) community defining the future of network-enabled cloud, data, and mobile services powered by the convergence of CE 2.0, software defined networking (SDN), and virtualization technologies.

"I'm proud of Allstream's active leadership in the cloud enabled networking efforts of the industry," said Mike Strople, President, Allstream and MEF Board Member.  "Our customers benefit from the contributions we make, as a service provider, to helping set industry standards.  They want predictable and assured services across regions and geographies and this proof-of-concept will allow them to quickly, easily and securely alter their Ethernet traffic seamlessly across multiple networks."

The proof-of-concept will show the orchestration of on-demand bandwidth across carriers using interfaces based on MEF's recently ratified MEF47 Carrier Ethernet Services for Cloud Implementation Agreement.  Open standards promise to accelerate the availability of agile and assured cloud services everywhere. 

Commenting on the occasion, James Walker, Vice President, Managed Network Services, Tata Communications said, "We believe that the network should be as flexible as a business strategy. The 'elastic ethernet proof-of-concept' shows our commitment to providing a high-performance, dedicated yet customised service to organizations thereby adapting to their ever-evolving needs. Dynamic bandwidth change, modularity and deterministic routing are a few of the highlights of this proof of concept and we look to extending the full value of MEF Global Interconnect CE2.0 to the elastic Ethernet realm."

Allstream also acknowledges the contributions of its partner, TIERONE, a leading provider of next-generation commerce and fulfillment solutions and services, to the development and implementation of the proof-of-concept demonstration.

About Allstream
Allstream is a Canadian leader in IP communications and the only national communications provider that works exclusively with business customers of all sizes. With nearly 600,000 customer connections, Allstream's momentum is fuelled by the knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit of its employees across the country who collaborate with customers to determine their unique communications solutions needs. Supported by its more than 30,000-kilometre nationwide high-performance fibre-optic network, Allstream's broad portfolio of business solutions are built from an array of advanced communications technologies and services including a wide range of innovative, highly-scalable IP-based solutions to help organizations communicate more efficiently and profitably. Allstream takes pride in its commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, and has long been recognized by its technology partners for the contributions made to their businesses. Allstream is wholly-owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., which is listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). For information on Allstream's products and solutions, please visit www.allstream.com.

About The Metro Ethernet Forum
The MEF is a global industry alliance comprising more than 220 organizations including telecommunications service providers, cable MSOs, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations. The MEF's mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services. The MEF develops Carrier Ethernet technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide.

For more information about the Forum, please visit the MEF web site at http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org/

About Tata Communications
Tata Communications Limited (CIN no: L64200MH1986PLC039266) along with its subsidiaries (Tata Communications) is a leading global provider of A New World of Communications™. With a leadership position in emerging markets, Tata Communications leverages its advanced solutions capabilities and domain expertise across its global and pan-India network to deliver managed solutions to multi-national enterprises, service providers and Indian consumers.

The Tata Communications global network includes one of the most advanced and largest submarine cable networks and a Tier-1 IP network with connectivity to more than 240 countries and territories across 400 PoPs, as well as nearly 1 million square feet of data centre and collocation space worldwide.

Tata Communications' depth and breadth of reach in emerging markets includes leadership in Indian enterprise data services and leadership in global international voice.

Tata Communications Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India.

http://www.tatacommunications.com

Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer
This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, the "statements") about Allstream's future financial results, performance and sales opportunities that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. As a consequence, actual results in the future may differ materially from any conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking statements. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Examples of statements that constitute forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "project", "should", "anticipate", "could", "target", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "outlook", "see", "set", "pending", and other similar terms.

Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters identified in the "Material assumptions" section and the "Risks and uncertainties" section of the Company's 2013 Annual MD&A, and 2013 Annual Information Form, both of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Please note that forward-looking statements reflect Management's expectations as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: MTS Allstream

Media: Keith Irish, Corporate Communications, 416-644-6888, [email protected]; Investors: Paul Peters, Investor Relations, 204-941-6178, [email protected]