Allstream to Launch Managed WAN Optimization Service

New service delivers enhanced IP performance and protection

Stock Symbol:  MBT

TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Allstream, Canada's all-business communications provider, is proud to announce the launch of its Managed Wide Area Network (WAN) Optimization service. Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization service will accelerate existing key applications and free bandwidth for the installation of more applications and services.

In today's business environment, companies are challenged to do more with less. Sophisticated, data intensive applications are the norm, along with the ability for employees to be connected anywhere at any time. As businesses expand and modernize and adopt infrastructure models such as Cloud Computing and Virtualization, the strain on their networks is growing. Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization service uses the Riverbed^® Steelhead^® product family that allows businesses to introduce advanced applications and improve employee productivity - while continuing to operate efficiently and manage cost. Allstream's managed service includes solution design, procurement, monitoring, maintenance and performance reports.

"Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization service delivers improved performance over our customers' business IP-MPLS networks, providing application acceleration, better bandwidth utilization and improved data protection over the WAN," said Dean Prevost, President, Allstream. "With this service our customers can focus on moving their business forward without worrying about the day-to-day network operations that can take up time and resources."

"Riverbed has become the market leader in WAN Optimization by delivering a highly scalable technology that can be integrated easily into complex IT environments to accelerate and optimize the performance of business-critical applications, as well as provide a proven rapid return on investment," said Randy Schirman, Senior Vice President of worldwide channels at Riverbed. "By Allstream offering a managed WAN Optimization service utilizing Riverbed, enterprises can address complex IT initiatives successfully with an operational expenditure model that provides flexibility for management and matches operations and financial needs."

The introduction of a Managed WAN Optimization service is another step in Allstream's strategy to continue to grow its competitive edge in the IP market. It is in keeping with the company's focus on IP sales and the accelerated expansion of its fibre network in major urban centres across Canada. IP-based communications services are one of the fastest growing segments of the business telecom market.

Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization will be available to existing customers along with Allstream's growing customer base. New customers who have recently signed contracts to take advantage of Allstream's suite of IP connectivity services include Imperial Parking Canada Corporation, Latoplast Ltd., Stahl Peterbilt, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Securiglobe.

This service is now available to customers across Canada. For more information on Allstream's Managed WAN Optimization, please visit www.allstream.com/wanoptimization

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 2,500 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 below, the "Risks and uncertainties" section, elsewhere in the Company's 2011 Annual MD&A and 2011 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

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Nathan Gibson
Corporate Communications
416-345-3364
[email protected]