Dean Prevost, President of Allstream, delivers a keynote speech to Canadian Telecom Summit

Prevost explains the importance of government policy and regulation and how networking can address business paradoxes

Stock Symbol:  MBT

TORONTO, June 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, Dean Prevost, President of Allstream, Canada's all-business communications provider, delivered a keynote speech to industry leaders, policy makers, and regulators at the Canadian Telecom Summit about the evolution of business communications.

Mr. Prevost addressed more than 500 industry experts on the positive new policy direction adopted by the Federal Government that will ease restrictions on foreign capital investment for small to mid-sized telecommunications providers and promote competitive growth in the sector.

"We have a Federal Government that recognizes the need to drive more investment and competition in our industry," said Mr. Prevost. "Finally, Canada can tap into global risk capital, which I believe will really move our industry forward."

In his remarks, Mr. Prevost highlighted the need for a new policy framework in support of mandated wholesale access to broadband Ethernet that will ensure Canada has a thriving and competitive market for IP network services.

"Mandating access to wholesale Ethernet will get business services to the market faster, and will generate even more innovation. All of which is great for Canadian businesses and Canadian productivity," added Prevost.

Mr. Prevost concluded by discussing Allstream's role in the creation of network solutions that allow businesses to do more with less, provide flexibility in order to strengthen operations, and manage customers' networks.

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 of today. 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.

Media:
Selena Hinds
Corporate Communications
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