MTS Supports Flood Relief Efforts in Manitoba with $25,000 Donation, Credits for Customers

MTS technicians hard at work keeping customers connected

WINNIPEG, July 3, 2014 /CNW/ - (TSX:MBT) MTS, Manitoba's leading full-service telecommunications provider, today announced that it will be donating $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross - Manitoba Division to support flood relief efforts in Manitoba.

MTS will be waiving temporary disconnect fees for MTS home phone, Internet and TV customers who have been evacuated from areas where a state of emergency has been declared as a result of recent flooding. The company recognizes that these customers will rely more on their wireless services to communicate with loved ones and others.  As a result, MTS is offering affected wireless customers credits for usage overages for wireless airtime, long distance calling or text messaging (Canada only) beyond their regular wireless plans for the duration of the evacuation.

"Our hearts go out to those struggling during this difficult time and we will do what can to support Manitobans when they need it," said Kelvin Shepherd, President MTS. "Over the weekend, the southwestern area of the province was hit particularly hard and the severe weather conditions impacted some of our services. Many of our employees are working day and night to maintain service throughout the province and restore services as quickly as possible in affected areas."

MTS's province wide wireless network continues to operate with minimal interruption. Some wireline customers throughout Manitoba are experiencing service interruptions due to submerged equipment and cables. Closed roadways in rural Manitoba have increased travel time for MTS technicians. Customers may experience longer-than-usual wait times for customer service representatives and delayed repair appointments as a result of these conditions.

MTS would like to thank customers for their patience.

Details of these offers will be available on MTS's website at mts.ca.  Affected MTS customers who have incurred usage overages on their wireless bill for the month of July 2014 are encouraged to call 204-CALL-MTS (204-225-5687) to confirm their eligibility and receive their credit.

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.

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
204 958-3230
[email protected]