MTS Allstream acquires VisionIP

    
    Acquisition strengthens MTS Allstream's Unified Communications solutions
    delivery and service capabilities in Quebec

    Stock Symbol: MBT
    

TORONTO , Sept. 29 /CNW/ - MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") today announced it has acquired VisionIP Technologies Inc. ("VisionIP"), a Montreal-based provider of IT solutions and services. As a Cisco Silver Partner in Canada , with specializations in Advanced Security, Advanced Wireless, and Advanced Unified Communications, VisionIP strengthens MTS Allstream's competitive position by expanding its Unified Communications solutions delivery and service capabilities across Canada - particularly in the province of Quebec where VisionIP has established a great depth of expertise and experience in supporting a key business market.

"The VisionIP acquisition demonstrates our long-term commitment to strengthen our Unified Communications offerings - a key area of growth for MTS Allstream," said Dean Prevost , President Enterprise Solutions , MTS Allstream. "VisionIP's skilled and Cisco certified employees in the province of Quebec also complement the important elements of our overall portfolio."

"This acquisition is consistent with our ongoing strategy to grow nationally, while leveraging the regional know-how and adapting our value proposition to specific customer needs," continued Prevost. "MTS Allstream has a long track record of prudently investing in businesses that leverage our core competencies - the VisionIP acquisition is consistent with that approach."

VisionIP provides expert consulting, infrastructure, deployment and support services to businesses in several sectors including manufacturing, retail, health care, education, and more. VisionIP has established a solid, strategic relationship with many customers and technology providers in the Quebec market enabling them to offer the best solutions at the highest value to its customers.

"We are very excited to join forces with MTS Allstream to become part of an organization leading the way in Unified Communications solutions," said Pierre-Luc Poulin, President, VisionIP. "By acquiring our expertise and experience, MTS Allstream will not only build on its current IP telephony, collaboration, videoconferencing, managed Unified Communications, and many more offerings, but will provide local, francophone, experienced, and certified resources to improve the overall customer experience."

About MTS Allstream

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: Media: Jill Gibson, MTS Allstream Corporate Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Investors: Paul Peters, MTS Allstream Investor Relations, [phone], [email protected]