City of Winnipeg, MTS partner to bring MTS Wi-Fi to community facilities

MTS offers Manitobans unparalleled access to Internet

Stock Symbol:  MBT

WINNIPEG, Nov. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Winnipeggers will soon have even more options for wirelessly connecting to the Internet at libraries, arenas, recreation complexes and other popular sites. The City of Winnipeg and MTS announced today that they are partnering to offer MTS Wi-Fi service at community facilities across the city. Mayor Sam Katz and MTS President Kelvin Shepherd unveiled the plans at the Jonathan Toews Community Centre, one of the first city-run facilities to receive MTS Wi-Fi Hotspots.

"It has been a commitment of mine to provide the services that Winnipeggers need to stay connected when visiting our civic facilities, and this agreement does just that," said Mayor Katz.  "So whether you're a parent watching your child play hockey at a local arena or need to do research on the Internet at one of our libraries, you will have access at your fingertips."

"MTS customers can connect to the Web in their home, on the go and when visiting their local arena or coffee shop," said Mr. Shepherd.  "With our extensive wireless and broadband networks, and growing number of Wi-Fi Hotspots, MTS offers the most comprehensive overall Internet experience in the province."

Starting today and over the next two years, MTS plans to invest nearly $2 million to bring Wi-Fi to 350 City of Winnipeg locations. MTS currently has over 400 Wi-Fi Hotspots throughout Manitoba including the MTS Centre, the largest Wi-Fi Hotspot in the province. MTS has the most extensive wireless and broadband networks in the province with 97% of Manitobans having access to the best available wireless network and more than 85% having access to high-speed broadband Internet connectivity at home.

MTS high-speed Internet and Wireless customers can access MTS Wi-Fi Hotspots for free by entering their login ID and password on a Wi-Fi enabled device. MTS also uses a unique blend of technology to automatically transfer MTS Wireless devices to Wi-Fi when they enter an MTS Wi-Fi Hotspot, allowing customers to enjoy a fast and worry-free wireless Internet connection without having to log in or provide a password.  Non-MTS customers can also connect to MTS Wi-Fi by using a credit card to provide payment.

"We have been here for over 100 years and are the home team," added Mr. Shepherd. "Nobody can match our network footprint and availability of state of the art technologies in our province and we are proud of it."

MTS is investing across the province to provide more Manitobans with high-speed Internet services. This year, MTS's 4G LTE Wireless Network was expanded to five new communities, offering blazing-fast wireless data speeds in Victoria Beach, Grand Beach, Portage La Prairie, Selkirk and Steinbach. MTS has also launched its fibre optic network, the MTS FiON^® Network, in Beausejour, offering residents download speeds of up to 250 Mbps. In addition, MTS is bringing DSL-based Internet service to 20 new communities in 2013, with service recently launched in the communities of Buffalo Point and Sperling.

For more information about MTS Internet services, including MTS Wi-Fi Hotspots, please visit mts.ca/internet.

About MTS
MTS is the leading full-service communications provider for residential and business customers in Manitoba. The company's suite of products and services include the latest in wireless technology, high-speed Internet, an award-winning IPTV service, voice services, home security, and an extensive range of business solutions.  A technology leader, MTS operates advanced wireless networks delivering the best coverage for Manitobans with its 4G, CDMA and Wi-Fi wireless networks and is investing to build out its extensive fibre-to-the-home network in over 20 Manitoba communities. MTS's momentum is fuelled by the knowledge, skills and spirit of its 3,000 Manitoba-based employees. With over 100 years of operations, MTS is rooted firmly in the community and is a proud sponsor of the MTS Centre, home to the NHL's Winnipeg Jets. MTS is wholly owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. which is listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). For information on MTS's products and services, please visit www.mts.ca.

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 2012 Annual MD&A and 2012 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
MTS Corporate Communications
204 223-3623
[email protected]   

Michelle Bailey
City of Winnipeg Corporate Communications
204 986-6000
[email protected]