MTS to Build World-Class Data Centre in Manitoba

Stock Symbol: MBT

WINNIPEG, Dec. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. ("MTS" or "the Company") today announced plans to design and build a commercial, multi-tenant data centre in Manitoba.  The $50-million facility is expected to open in 2015, positioning MTS to become a leading provider of server colocation, managed hosting and cloud services in Manitoba.

"Our business customers are increasingly using cloud computing to store and process ever-expanding amounts of data," said Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. Chief Executive Officer Pierre Blouin. "With this state-of-the-art data centre, MTS will be able to deliver world-class solutions to Manitoba businesses, fulfilling an important and growing business need."

MTS's new data centre is designed to serve multiple businesses and allow for future expansion. The data centre will be approximately 70,000 ft² in size, designed to meet the highest industry standards in security and reliability, and qualify for Uptime Institute's Tier III certification. It will be the only custom-built commercial data centre of this size in Manitoba, enabling customers to securely host IT equipment.

As the leading telecom services provider in Manitoba, MTS is positioned to deliver a full range of high-quality connectivity services to customers locating their critical IT infrastructure in the data centre. The Company plans to leverage Manitoba's cooler climate, lower real estate costs, and supply of clean, economical power to offer customers a cost-effective data storage solution.

"With the only data centre like this in Manitoba, MTS customers can be assured that their IT infrastructure will operate reliably and securely, and that their important data will stay safely within our province," added Mr. Blouin. "This is an exciting opportunity that is expected to provide growth, is in demand by our current business customers and represents a logical extension of our existing telecom services."

Today's announcement represents MTS's second significant expansion into the IT space, following the acquisition of Winnipeg-based EPIC Information Solutions earlier this year. EPIC Information Solutions will provide the skills and expertise needed to effectively operate the new data centre.

Construction of the new data centre is scheduled to begin in 2014, with plans to be fully operational in 2015. The impact of this project on the Company's 2014 financial results is not expected to be significant and is not expected to change the Company's 2014 Outlook previously announced on November 7, 2013.

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, and the "Risks and uncertainties" section, 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: 
Chelsea Ross
Corporate Communications
204 958-3230
[email protected] 

Investors:
Paul Peters
Investor Relations
204 941-6178
[email protected]