Allstream Introduces New Service that will Dramatically Lower Telecom Costs for Canadian businesses

"SIP Gateway" brings IP-based voice benefits to more businesses

Stock Symbol:  MBT

TORONTO, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Allstream today announced the continued evolution of its leading SIP portfolio with the introduction of its new "SIP Gateway" service. SIP Gateway will help Canadian businesses save as much as 40 per cent compared to traditional voice services. Allstream delivers its SIP Gateway service using its cloud-based IP voice environment.

"Allstream is the only national competitor to Bell and TELUS for business customers and this service is yet another way we are making it easier for more Canadian businesses to lower their overall telecom spend and improve productivity," said Allstream President Michael Strople.

SIP Gateway offers the features and functionality of a Primary Rate Interface (PRI) for significantly less cost by providing an IP-based alternative.  Previously, Canadian businesses with non-IP Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems were prevented from achieving the savings of a PRI without updating their PBX.  Allstream's SIP Gateway allows Canadian businesses to take advantage of the benefits of IP telephony services without the cost and complexity of having to upgrade their non IP-based PBX systems.

Allstream launched its SIP Gateway service in February in some regions and Canadian businesses have already taken advantage of the savings that will be available nationwide as of today. Canadian businesses looking to see how they can save on their voice networking costs with Allstream's SIP Services can contact 1-855-299-7050. More details about Allstream's SIP offering can be found here.

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.

Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer

This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, the "statements") about the Company's corporate direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives and future financial results and performance 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, in the Company's 2013 Annual MD&A and 2013 Annual Information Form, all 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:
Selena Hinds 
Corporate Communications 
204-941-8576 
[email protected]