MTS fibre optic network brings next generation of telecommunications and entertainment services to The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation

MTS FiON® Network enables award-winning MTS Ultimate TV service for two new communities

Stock Symbol:  MBT

THE PAS, MB, June 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, MTS is pleased to celebrate the successful deployment of its fibre optic network (MTS FiON® Network) and the launch of its industry-leading MTS Ultimate TV Service in The Pas and the continued deployment of the MTS FiON Network in Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN).

MTS's Ultimate TV offers a variety of channel packages, high quality 100 per cent digital picture and sound, as well as the MTS Whole Home PVR which enables customers to pause a recorded show in one room and finish watching it in another room on any connected TV.  MTS My Picks and Ultimate Picks applications allow customers to keep track of six different channels at the same time, while TV Call Display lets them see who is calling on their MTS Home Phone. MTS Ultimate TV also offers an extensive lineup of over 350 digital TV and music channels, over 100 HD channels, and access to Video on Demand and Pay-Per-View events.

"MTS is proud to be here today to join with the communities of The Pas and OCN in celebrating the deployment of the MTS FiON Network," said MTS President Kelvin Shepherd. "This network employs one of Canada's most advanced fibre optic technologies, and we are pleased that the residents of The Pas and OCN will enjoy its many benefits."

The Pas Mayor Al McLauchlan joined Mr. Shepherd at the Uptown Mall MTS Connect Store today to celebrate the new network.  Also attending the event were representatives from The Pas town council and The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce.

"We are pleased that MTS has made this substantial investment in our community with the deployment of the FiON Network," said Mayor McLauchlan.  "This year marks the centennial of The Pas, and the introduction of this technology is a reflection of the growth and development we have seen over the past 100 years."

The MTS FiON Network connects directly into people's homes, delivering a huge amount of bandwidth which enables faster speeds and lays the groundwork for delivering new services such as MTS Ultimate TV. Customers on this new network will also have access to an exciting suite of high-speed Internet products, with speeds up to 32 Mbps and potential future speeds of over 100 Mbps.

As part of the day's festivities, a resident from The Pas won a 40-inch LCD HD Samsung TV plus six months free MTS Ultimate TV service.

Homes in both The Pas and in OCN will continue to be added to the MTS FiON Network over the next few months and MTS plans to have the MTS FiON Network fully deployed to homes by late summer 2012.

MTS is investing $125 million over several years to deploy its fibre-to-the-home network to 120,000 homes and enable MTS Ultimate TV service in more than 20 communities in Manitoba. MTS Ultimate TV service is currently available to over 95 per cent of Winnipeg households, and in Brandon, Portage La Prairie and a growing number of homes in Selkirk, Steinbach, Dauphin and Thompson.

For more information on the MTS FiON Network and MTS Ultimate TV service 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 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 over 20 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 2011 Annual MD&A and 2011 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.

Media:          
Jessica Poitras
Corporate Communications
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