MTS Brings 4G HSPA Wireless Service to Churchill

"Polar Bear Capital of the World" latest in expansion to six Manitoba communities

CHURCHILL, MB, Oct. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - (TSX: MBT) MTS launched its 4G HSPA wireless network in Churchill last night, one of six communities to receive this service in 2014. Community members will now be able to download mobile apps and stream video in seconds thanks to data speeds that are up to five times faster than the CDMA network they experienced previously.

"This is great news for Churchill, and I'd like to thank MTS for the continual investment in our community," said Churchill Mayor Michael Spence. "Churchill is an international destination and the launch of this wireless service is another great feature to add to our community."

Mayor Spence joined Paul Norris, Vice President of Brand and Consumer Marketing for MTS, at the Town Centre Complex in Churchill yesterday to celebrate the launch of the new wireless network. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, a performance by local school band The FiddleStix, and one lucky resident won a new top-selling MTS smartphone.

During his remarks, Mr. Norris surprised the community with a $25,000 five-year commitment to the Duke of Marlborough School's breakfast program. The grant, made possible by the MTS Future First community investment program, will provide a nutritious breakfast for almost 200 students every morning before they start their school day.  Future First is committed to empowering youth across Manitoba through sponsorships, grants, scholarships and volunteerism.

"Bringing fresh, nutritious food to the North is very expensive, so this grant will make a world of difference to our breakfast program," said Darren Kinden, Principal of Duke of Marlborough School. "Future First is helping our students get off to a strong start every day with a healthy nutritious meal. This support will further enhance student growth and success in every classroom."

In addition to yesterday's launch in Churchill, MTS has turned up its 4G HSPA network in Snow Lake and Ebb & Flow First Nation, and will bring the service to Bissett, Fisher River First Nation and Middlebro in the coming weeks.  More than 4,000 people living and working in these communities will benefit from this investment.

For more information about MTS's products and services, please visit mts.ca.

About MTS
MTS is the leading full-service communications provider for residential and business customers in Manitoba. The company's suite of products and services include the latest in wireless technology, high-speed Internet, an award-winning IPTV service, voice services, home security, and an extensive range of business solutions. A technology leader, MTS operates advanced wireless networks using the latest 4G and Wi-Fi technologies, delivering the best coverage for Manitobans. MTS also continues to expand its world-class fibre-to-the-home network, making MTS's fastest Internet plans and Ultimate TV service available to more communities across Manitoba. MTS's momentum is fuelled by the knowledge, skills and spirit of its 3,000 Manitoba-based employees. With over 100 years of operations, MTS is rooted firmly in the community and is a proud sponsor of the MTS Centre, home to the NHL's Winnipeg Jets. MTS is wholly owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. which is listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). For information on MTS's products and services, please visit www.mts.ca.

About MTS Future First
MTS Future First: Connecting Today's Youth to Tomorrow is a multi-faceted community investment program that includes sponsorships, grants, donations, scholarships, employee volunteerism and fundraising programs to help in the advancement of Manitoba youth and reflects MTS's philosophy of investing and giving back to our community. The program articulates a clear vision for MTS's ongoing contribution to a thriving economy fueled by a vibrant, diverse workforce – one nurtured in healthy communities that provide opportunity and optimism for our young people. In 2013, MTS donated more than one per cent of its pre-tax profits to charitable purposes in Manitoba.  For more information about Future First, please visit www.mts.ca/futurefirst, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer
This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, the "statements") about MTS's products and services 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 of the Company's 2013 Annual Management's Discussion & Analysis and 2013 Annual Information Form, both of which are available on SEDAR 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: Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.

Media: Chelsea Ross, Corporate Communications, 204 223-6043, [email protected]