Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. Establishes $500 million Medium Term Note
Program

Stock Symbol: MBT

WINNIPEG , Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. ("MTS") is pleased to announce the establishment of a $500 million medium term note program. Under this program, MTS may issue medium term notes periodically up to an amount of $500 million over the next 25 months.

Proceeds from the medium term note program are expected to allow MTS to refinance debt as it becomes due, and are expected to provide MTS with the flexibility to pursue its business strategies. MTS is focused on creating and delivering long-term value through prudent investment in its core operations and growth businesses, such as wireless, high-speed Internet, television, Internet protocol-based communications and unified communications. MTS continues to maintain a strong overall financial position, reflecting the company's leading market position in Manitoba and leading competitive position in business markets across Canada .

About Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc, through its wholly owned subsidiary MTS Allstream Inc., is one of Canada's leading national communication solutions companies, providing innovative communications for the way Canadians want to live and work today. The Company has more than 100 years of experience, with 5,800 employees across Canada dedicated to a mission of delivering true value as seen through the eyes of our customers. In 2008, MTS Allstream had 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.

Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer

This news release includes forward-looking statements about our medium term note program, corporate direction and financial objectives that are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. As a consequence, the issuance of any notes and the use of the proceeds therefrom, our corporate direction and financial objectives, or other matters relating to our medium term note program in the future may differ materially from such forward-looking information. Additional information relating to our company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

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