MTS Allstream Celebrates Official Opening of Allstream Centre - Canada's
Newest and Greenest Conference Facility

Stock Symbol: MBT

TORONTO , Oct. 22 /CNW/ - As the title sponsor of Canada's newest and greenest conference facility, MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") is pleased to celebrate in the official opening of the Allstream Centre today. After many months of construction, the Allstream Centre, located at Exhibition Place, is fully equipped with unique and innovative Allstream-branded communications solutions.

"As the sponsor of the state-of-the-art Allstream Centre, Canada's most environmentally responsible conference and convention centre, we are honoured to join in the celebration of its first day of business with our name over the front door," said Dean Prevost , President Enterprise Solutions division, MTS Allstream. "Using Allstream communications technology, Allstream Centre will provide businesses, the public sector, and individuals with green networking solutions that are sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint on the world."

As Canada's greenest conference facility, the Allstream Centre has adopted a number of innovative initiatives related to sustainability, energy production and waste reduction. For example, it runs on 100% green power, has an innovative white reflective roof to reduce energy costs, has improved indoor air quality through CO2 sensors, and includes only low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, carpets and adhesives. In addition, food service will include locally grown food and a perishable food donation program. As well, demolished materials and construction waste were diverted from landfill to recycling facilities.

Allstream Centre is the first LEED Silver certified conference centre in Canada . The 160,000 square foot facility incorporates today's most advanced technological innovations while remaining respectful to the historical aspects of the former Automotive Building. The Allstream Centre boasts 20 fully equipped meeting rooms, each with panoramic lake views or city views, along with Toronto's largest column-free ballroom. The Allstream Centre is also physically connected to the Direct Energy Centre complex - Canada's largest exhibition and convention centre - providing year-round, climate-controlled access to over one million square feet of exhibition space under one roof. All those using the Centre will be exposed to Allstream communications solutions, and will have the opportunity to see how these technologies can transform the way conferences, and business in general, are conducted.

MTS Allstream is pleased to stage its annual Allstream Global Forum at the Allstream Centre on November 24 . Allstream Global Forum, one of Canada's premier thought-leadership events, will feature former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore who will provide his latest insights into the evolution of the clean economy and what it means for business and society at large. Proceeds from the event will go to the David Suzuki Foundation and its efforts to help transform the Canadian economy in ways that are consistent with a sustainable future. For more information on the Allstream Global Forum, visit www.allstream.com/globalforum.

For more information on MTS Allstream's commitment to the community and environment, visit www.mtsallstream.com under the Community and Environment section.

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 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 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]; Janet Nielsen, MTS Allstream Corporate Communications, [phone], [email protected]