Allstream Introduces Multicast Technology on its National MPLS Network

Enables customers to optimize network performance

Stock Symbol: MBT

TORONTO, March 29 /CNW/ - Allstream (an MTS Allstream company) announced today that, as a leading provider of advanced enterprise connectivity in Canada, it is deploying Multicast technology on its national Multiprotocol Label Switching ("MPLS") network which reaches more than 90% of Canadian businesses from coast to coast.

Multicast is a bandwidth-conserving technology that reduces traffic by simultaneously delivering a single stream of information to thousands of users. This new capability will allow Allstream's business customers to optimize network performance and efficiently deploy and scale distributed group applications such as distance learning and videoconferencing.

"We are very pleased to announce this new capability on our national MPLS network," said Dean Prevost, President, Allstream. "Multicast technology will make it much more convenient for our business customers to transmit value-added services that leverage their current infrastructure and help increase the efficiency of their network."

    
    Multicast applications include:
    -   Webcast streaming video - streaming video from single source to many
        locations
    -   Push Media - delivering information such as weather and news to many
        locations
    -   Interactive distance training - instructor-led video based training
    -   Collaboration - shared document editing
    

For information on this technology and Allstream's other services and solutions, visit www.allstream.com.

About Allstream

As part of MTS Allstream, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc, Allstream is a leading national communications provider that works exclusively with businesses of all sizes. An industry leader in delivering innovation, Allstream is focused on unifying and elevating all the ways that businesses connect and collaborate to serve customers, to drive workforce and partner productivity, and to get payback on networking and IT resources. Headquartered in Toronto, Allstream leverages the entrepreneurial spirit and skills of 3,000 employees across Canada. Our portfolio features advanced capabilities including: network connectivity and infrastructure, managed network services, and unified communications solutions. Our portfolio is provided across an extensive national broadband fibre optic network that spans some 30,000 km. We supply international connections through strategic partnerships and interconnection agreements. For more information, please 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]