MTS Allstream donates $20,000 to support relief efforts in the Philippines

Company to help customers stay connected to loved ones with free long-distance calling, TV channels

Stock Symbol:  MBT

WINNIPEG and TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - In response to the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan, Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. ("MTS Allstream" or "the Company") today donated $20,000 to the Canadian Red Cross, funded equally between the Company's regional and national operations, MTS and Allstream, to support relief efforts in the Philippines.

"We hope our contribution will bring a measure of relief to those directly affected by this tragedy," said MTS Allstream CEO Pierre Blouin. "It's a privilege to connect our customers with loved ones during these stressful circumstances."

With a large Filipino population extending across Canada, MTS Allstream committed itself to a truly national response. "We knew we could create a multi-faceted plan that engaged our entire company, both in Manitoba and in major centres across the country," said Blouin. "It gives us an opportunity to meet needs here in Canada and in the Philippines, too."

In Manitoba, MTS customers can keep up-to-date with developments in the Philippines on GMA News TV International (Channel 44) and The Filipino Channel (TFC) (Channel 42), which will be available as a free preview on MTS TV starting November 13, 2013.  MTS is also providing residential and small business landline customers in Manitoba with free long-distance calling to the Philippines from November 6, 2013 to November 19, 2013, if used for personal purposes.

MTS wireless customers who would like to make a contribution can text to donate to the Canadian Red Cross, the UN World Food Programme, and World Vision Canada:

• Canadian Red Cross:  Text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $5.
• UN World Food Programme:  Text RELIEFNOW to 45678 to donate $10.
• World Vision Canada:  Text WORLD or AID to 45678 to donate $20.

"While the Company recognized and responded to the need for financial aid, we also saw an opportunity to do more, to commit our services in ways that will make a difference to our customers in crisis," added Blouin. "It's more than our business to connect people, it's our mission."

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS Allstream)
MTS Allstream is one of Canada's leading national communication solutions companies, providing innovative communications for the way Canadians live and work today. The company has more than 100 years of experience, with approximately 5,000 employees across Canada. MTS Allstream's business is dynamic and consists of two operating divisions.  In Manitoba, MTS is the leading full-service telecommunications provider for residential and business customers. MTS's suite of services include the latest in wireless technology, broadband services, IPTV, voice services, home security, and an extensive range of business solutions. Across Canada, Allstream is a leader in IP communications and is the only national provider that focuses exclusively on the business telecommunications market. MTS Allstream has nearly two million customer connections spanning business customers across Canada and residential consumers throughout the province of Manitoba. The Company's extensive national fibre optic network spans more than 30,000 kilometres. MTS Allstream has spent 11 consecutive years on the Jantzi Social Index for leadership in social responsibility and is the recipient of the 2011 Governance Gavel Award from the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance, recognizing clear and effective public disclosure and leading governance practices. MTS Allstream's common shares are listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT).  Customers, stakeholders and investors who want to learn more about MTS Allstream are encouraged to visit: www.mtsallstream.com.  For more information about MTS's products and services, please visit www.mts.ca. For more information about Allstream's products and services, please visit www.allstream.com.

Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer
This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, the "statements") about the Company's corporate direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives and future financial results and performance that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. As a consequence, actual results in the future may differ materially from any conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking statements. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Examples of statements that constitute forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "project", "should", "anticipate", "could", "target", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "outlook", "see", "set", "pending", and other similar terms.

Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters identified in the "Material assumptions" section and the "Risks and uncertainties" section in the Company's 2012 Annual MD&A and 2012 Annual Information Form, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Please note that forward-looking statements reflect Management's expectations as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: MTS Allstream

Media:  
Chelsea Ross Corporate Communications
204 958-3230
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