MTS Allstream Applauds Government Decision on Fee-For-Carriage

    
    Government Takes a Smart Approach to Regulation

    Stock Symbol: MBT
    

WINNIPEG , Sept. 17 /CNW/ - MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") welcomes an announcement by the Federal Government that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC") should consider the views of the public when it comes to the issue of Fee-For-Carriage, which would see service providers pay broadcasters a fee to provide customers with television signals that are currently available free of charge over the airwaves.

"We are pleased the Federal Government recognizes that customers need to fully understand what impact Fee-For-Carriage, which would see service providers pay broadcasters a fee to provide local television signals that are available free of charge today, will have on the general public," said Chris Peirce , Chief Corporate Officer, MTS Allstream. "It is important for the Government to remind the CRTC not to lose sight of the impacts that changes to the regulatory framework ultimately have on customers, and we congratulate the government for ensuring the views of the general public, who could face price increases as a consequence of any decision to impose Fee-For-Carriage, be heard."

Earlier this week MTS Allstream filed a submission to the CRTC opposing Fee-For-Carriage and pointing out that service providers and the Canadian public already contribute over $1 billion annually - much of which benefits the broadcasters - to the Canadian broadcasting system. For more information on MTS Allstream's submission visit www.mtsallstream.com.

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