MTS to make mobile commerce a reality for Manitobans

MTS and EnStream announce plans for mobile payment capability

Stock Symbol:  MBT

WINNIPEG, Oct. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - MTS announced today that it has signed an initial agreement with EnStream LP to bring secure mobile payment technology to Manitoba in 2013. This technology will facilitate mobile commerce (mCommerce) transactions and give MTS customers the ability to pay for goods and services at participating retailers using certain smartphones and mobile devices.

"mCommerce will quickly become the way people go about their day-to-day business, and MTS is proud to be among the first providers in Canada to give their customers access to this important and innovative technology," said MTS President Kelvin Shepherd.

The initial agreement between EnStream and MTS gives MTS access to EnStream's Secure Element Management (SEM) platform, and in turn, EnStream will provide participating banks and other financial institutions the means to facilitate transactions for MTS customers.  These customers will be able to make payments using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows one device to send and receive information with another device in close proximity.  MTS customers will be able to tap their NFC-enabled smartphone to a payment terminal to make payments without the need for chip cards.

"This technology has great potential to make every day transactions faster, more convenient and more secure," added Mr. Shepherd.

EnStream's SEM service provides secure, wireless management of customers' credentials within mobile devices.  As the service develops, EnStream's SEM system will allow customers to load all of their payment cards and other credentials such as their loyalty program cards, transit passes, and library cards directly on their mobile device.  This technology has the potential to transform a smartphone into a virtual wallet and eliminate the need to carry individual cards, passes or cash.

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 LTE, 4G HSPA+, 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.

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.

SOURCE: MTS Allstream

Media:  
Chelsea Ross
Corporate Communications
[phone]
[email protected]