MTS Allstream Encourages Manitobans to Speak Out Against New TV Charges

Stock Symbol: MBT

Fee-For-Carriage Would Increase Monthly TV Bills

WINNIPEG , Oct. 30 /CNW/ - MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") is encouraging TV customers in Manitoba to speak out to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC") about proposals by broadcasters which could add at least six dollars to monthly service bills.

"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 an impact on the prices for service. It's that simple," said Chris Peirce , Chief Corporate Officer, MTS Allstream. "It is not fair to expect customers to start having to pay for something that has been available free for decades, particularly in light of the fact that we are already mandated to provide the signals as part of our basic packages. We encourage customers to make sure their own voices are part of the discussion that begins in November, so they have a chance to speak out against increased charges."

MTS Allstream itself is already creating local content to serve the community, spending $1 million on local programming, by Manitobans for Manitobans, in the 2008-2009 broadcast year alone. MTS Allstream has already 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.

Manitoba TV customers who don't wish to see their prices increase because of fee-for-carriage should visit crtc.gc.ca and click on "How to Participate" and "Send a Comment" for button number 2009-615.

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]