MTS Allstream Achieves Cisco(R) Managed Services Master Channel Partner
Worldwide

    
    Recognized for industry-leading capabilities in sophisticated managed
    services practices and delivering best customer experiences

    Stock Symbol: MBT
    

TORONTO , Oct. 14 /CNW/ - MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") is pleased to announce it has achieved Cisco(R) Managed Services Master Channel Partner worldwide status for Unified Communications (UC) Managed Services and Managed Business IP (MPLS). As MTS Allstream continues to deliver advanced business communication solutions to its customers, this designation recognizes the company's continued investment in the personnel, processes and tools needed to meet the growing demand for highly sophisticated managed services practices.

"It is with great pleasure we announce that MTS Allstream has met all criteria to become a Cisco Managed Services Master Channel Partner worldwide," said Dean Prevost , President Enterprise Solutions , MTS Allstream. "By achieving the specialization, we have proven to have the ability to sell and deliver Cisco Powered Managed UC and Connectivity. This award offers a significant market differentiation."

The Cisco(R) Managed Services Master Channel Partner specialization recognizes MTS Allstream as having proven their ability to sell and deliver Cisco-based managed services through a premium network operations center (NOC) investment and offer enhanced management and stewardship practices, validated by an independent, third party audit.

"The Master designation recognizes the highest level of achievement for partners delivering Cisco technologies as a managed solution," said Edison Peres , senior vice president of the worldwide channels go-to-market group at Cisco. "We value the commitment and expertise that MTS Allstream has demonstrated and look forward to a continued, successful partnership. The Managed Services Master Channel Partner Specialization ranks them among the industry's elite."

Cisco Managed Services Master Partners have established managed service ITIL(R) processes, practices, and tools in place to support Cisco advanced technologies at all phases of the lifecycle -prepare, plan, design, implement, operate, and optimize - thereby enabling consistently high customer experience. Cisco Master Specializations provide MTS Allstream access to comprehensive sales, technical, and lifecycle services training and support available from Cisco.

For more information about the Cisco(R) Managed Services Master Channel Partner specialization, visit www.cisco.com.

For more information on MTS Allstream's services and solutions, visit www.allstream.com.

About MTS Allstream

MTS Allstream is 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. 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.

For further information: Jill Gibson, MTS Allstream Corporate Communications, [phone], [email protected]