MTS expands HSPA and LTE wireless service to Piney

Expansion benefits both the people of Piney and travelers along Highway 12

PINEY, MB, Jan. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - (TSX:MBT) MTS, Manitoba's leading full-service telecommunications provider, today announced that it has expanded its HSPA and LTE network to Piney, MB.

"I'm delighted to announce that we have expanded wireless services to Piney, MB," said MTS CEO Jay Forbes. "The Piney expansion adds to the MTS wireless network which now covers 98% of the population in Manitoba. Over the past five years we have invested about $1 billion to ensure that Manitobans continue to have access to world class communications and information technology services. In those communities where it's not economically possible for a single organization to undertake service expansions, MTS is eager to co-invest with all levels of government to deliver services."

Added Forbes, "I have been encouraged by recent remarks from the provincial government regarding the expansion of broadband Internet and wireless cellular services to remote areas of our province. MTS is thrilled with the prospect of partnering with all levels of government to enhance connectivity in rural Manitoba. We know that other provinces have had great success in these types of arrangements in the past. MTS has had a long standing openness to these types of partnerships, and, when coupled with our existing support of communities and organizations across Manitoba, we are confident that we can all work collaboratively to improve social infrastructure for Manitobans in rural and remote communities."

"Our government has committed to increase cellular service to rural Manitoba so hometown businesses, families and young people can succeed in one of Canada's fastest growing economies," said provincial Minister of Finance Greg Dewar. "This expansion is an important step that will help make that happen."

Wayne Anderson, Reeve of the RM of Piney, praised MTS for the expansion: "This is a positive step toward our goal, which is getting full cellular coverage for South-Eastern Manitoba.  We are grateful that MTS is providing this new service to the area around the village of Piney."

More than 1 million Manitobans now have access to MTS's 4G LTE Wireless Network. With download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, 4G LTE sets the standard in wireless technology. LTE technology complements MTS's 4G HSPA+ wireless network. For more information about MTS's 4G LTE Wireless Network, please visit www.mts.ca/4glte.

This is the latest in a series of expansions that has brought this impressive technology to 30 rural Manitoba communities in 2015.

About MTS Inc.
MTS is Manitoba's leading communications company, connecting people and places with wireless, high-speed Internet, TV, home phone and security services. MTS also offers a full suite of business solutions, including information technology, data storage and cloud computing through EPIC Information Solutions and MTS Data Centres. Founded more than a century ago and deeply rooted in the community, MTS provides grants, scholarships, sponsorships and volunteer support to youth-serving organizations across the province through MTS Future First. MTS is wholly owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (TSX: MBT). For more on MTS's products and services, visit www.mts.ca.

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 2014 Annual Management's Discussion & Analysis and 2014 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: Melanie McKague, Corporate Communications, 204 958-3230, [email protected]; Investors: Brenda McInnes, Investor Relations, 204 941-6178, [email protected]