Allstream's national IP Trunking service recognized as interoperable with top
Avaya enterprise communications products

Stock Symbol: MBT

Allstream is the first Canadian national service provider to receive Avaya DevConnect Compliant Award

TORONTO, July 16 /CNW/ - Allstream, Canada's all-business communications provider, today announced that its national IP Trunking service has been recognized as interoperable with Avaya's Aura(TM) systems, making Allstream the first business communications solutions provider in Canada to successfully complete Avaya's interoperability testing. Completion of testing with Avaya Aura Communication Manager 5.2.1, Avaya Aura Session Manager (SM) 5.2, and Avaya Aura SIP Enablement Services 5.2.2 confirms that these products will seamlessly interoperate with Allstream's national IP Trunking services.

"Allstream's converged IP products are a source of strong growth for our business, and this interoperable proves that our national IP fibre network can continue to meet the demand we are seeing from customers," said Dean Prevost, President, Allstream. "Guaranteed interoperability means businesses can avoid unforeseen integration costs when they take advantage of Allstream's strong network and Avaya's excellent product suite."

Avaya has recognized Allstream with the DevConnect Compliant Award for its successful compliance testing. The Avaya DevConnect program is an initiative developed to market and sell innovative third-party products that interoperate with Avaya technology.

"Companies like Allstream are helping to expand the choices available to Avaya customers," said Eric Rossman, vice president, Developer Relations. "With a broad selection of standards-based solutions that are compliance-tested for interoperability, businesses can strategically use communications in their operations and make critical information readily available to both clients and employees."

Allstream is a leader in IP Trunking in the Canadian market. In 2006, Allstream was the first national communications solutions provider to market IP Trunking services. Since then, Allstream has established an extensive SIP Trunking certification program and added key market leaders. The IP Trunking service leverages Allstream's extensive national IP fibre network to provide best-in-class, next-generation Voice over IP services to its customers.

About Allstream

Allstream is a unit of MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream"), 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.

About Avaya

Avaya is a global leader in enterprise communications systems. The company provides unified communications, contact centers, and related services directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration, customer service and competitiveness. For more information please visit www.avaya.com. For more information on the Avaya DevConnect program, visit www.avaya.com/devconnect.

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