MTS to be exclusive provider of telecommunication services at the new home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Stock Symbol:  MBT

MTS will provide wireless, Internet, Wi-Fi, Ultimate TV, phone and data service to Investors Group Field

WINNIPEG, May 8, 2012 /CNW/ - MTS, Manitoba's local, pre-eminent telecommunications provider, together with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club, today announced that MTS will be the exclusive provider of telecommunication services at the Investors Group Field, currently under construction at the University of Manitoba campus.

"The new Winnipeg Blue Bomber stadium will be an exciting addition to the sports and entertainment landscape in Manitoba, and MTS is thrilled that we will play such an important role in this new facility," said MTS President Kelvin Shepherd.  "As Manitoba's home team telecommunications provider, MTS is proud that its industry-leading services will be a key component in this state-of-the-art venue and we look forward to the MTS brand being prominently associated with Bombers' football."

MTS will provide telecommunication equipment and services required by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for their new home field and office operations.  Bomber fans will be able to enjoy MTS WiFi Internet and MTS's award-winning Ultimate TV service in the facility's restaurant, suite level, and other select locations. In addition, the design of MTS's wireless network in the new stadium will provide superior 4G wireless coverage in the stands and concourses.

"The Winnipeg Football Club and MTS share a long history in this province, and we are very excited that this agreement brings our two organizations together in such an important way," said Blue Bomber President and CEO Garth Buchko.  "We look forward to an outstanding partnership between these two proud Manitoba brands."

The Investors Group Field, expected to open in September 2012, will be a world-class sports, concert, and special events facility.  Designed with comfort and accessibility in mind, the building will have seating for 33,500 people. For major events, such as the Grey Cup, seating can be expanded to accommodate 40,000 people.

"The Investors Group Field will give Manitobans the opportunity to enjoy their Bombers and other events in a major league facility," said Mr. Shepherd. "The agreement to provide these services to the new stadium enhances an already strong long-term relationship between the Blue Bombers and MTS."

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 more than 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 the Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have won the Canadian Football League Grey Cup championship 10 times, most recently in 1990. The team has a consistent and loyal fan base with a passion for the blue and gold. Investors Group Field, the future home of the Bombers, will open in 2012 on the campus of the University of Manitoba. The stadium will be capable of hosting large-scale, sports and entertainment events as well as more intimate gatherings. Seating capacity will be 33,500, with the ability of the stadium to expand to more than 40,000 seats.

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:
Selena Hinds 
MTS Corporate Communications
(204) 204-223-3623
[email protected]