MTS enhances wireless service through extended network sharing agreement with Rogers

MTS customers to benefit from faster speeds and improved roaming experience

Stock Symbol:  MBT

WINNIPEG, June 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Building on the successful joint deployment of its 4G HSPA+ wireless network in Manitoba, MTS Inc. (MTS), Manitoba's leading wireless provider, today announced the extension of its wireless network sharing arrangement with Rogers Communications Partnership (Rogers). Under this enhanced arrangement, MTS and Rogers will share the costs of deploying and operating 4G LTE technology in Manitoba.

MTS previously announced plans to expand 4G LTE coverage to six additional communities in 2013 and plans to continue to expand its 4G LTE network to reach more than 90 per cent of Manitoba's population over the next five years.

"MTS was the first to launch LTE in Manitoba and now we're finding innovative ways to economically expand and make our 4G LTE service even better," said Kelvin Shepherd, President, MTS. "We will continue to deliver exceptional wireless coverage and plans for Manitobans while competing vigorously with all market participants, including Rogers."

MTS's 4G LTE Wireless Network will be able to support peak data speeds of up to 150 Mbps, doubling its previous capability. MTS customers will also benefit from an improved roaming experience when travelling outside of Manitoba, with faster connection times and future access to LTE roaming. MTS will continue to obtain competitive roaming rates as part of a long-term agreement with Rogers that enables MTS to cost effectively support the growing national and international roaming requirements of its customers.  MTS will also improve its ability to offer an even larger range of wireless devices.

MTS's 4G LTE Wireless Network has been available in Winnipeg and Brandon since August 2012 and complements MTS's 4G HSPA+ Wireless services. To learn more about MTS's 4G LTE Wireless Network, visit mts.ca/4GLTE.

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 delivering the best coverage for Manitobans with its 4G, CDMA and Wi-Fi wireless networks and is investing to build out its extensive fibre-to-the-home network in multiple Manitoba communities. 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.

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 below, the "Risks and uncertainties" section, elsewhere 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:  
Jessica Poitras
Corporate Communications
204-958-3230
[email protected]