MTS TV Adds Channels and Apps to its TV Services Line-Up

New services include Facebook on TV and MTS Centre on Demand apps and 4 new HD channels

Stock Symbol:  MBT

WINNIPEG, June 27, 2012 /CNW/ - MTS today announced the addition of several new channels and TV apps to its television service line-up.

"Recently, MTS passed the 100,000 TV customer milestone, and we are pleased that our impressive and comprehensive lineup of entertainment and information options continues to grow," said Stan Kurtas, MTS's Vice-President of Marketing.  "The new channels and apps we are launching add a great deal of value to our TV services, as they broaden an already varied menu of choices.  From Facebook on TV to documentary films to karaoke - there is something for everybody."

Both MTS Classic TV and MTS Ultimate TV customers will enjoy three new channels: GMA News TV International, ABC Spark, and FX Canada. In addition, MTS Ultimate TV customers will see their viewing options increase by an additional four channels - ABC Spark HD, FX Canada HD, PIX HD New York, and documentary HD.

For those MTS Ultimate TV customers who also subscribe to MTS High Speed Internet, MTS recently added four new "Apps on TV": Facebook on TV, The KARAOKE Channel, MTS Centre on Demand, and The Weather Network App.

The addition of these services brings the number of HD channels available on Ultimate TV to 110, and the number of Apps on TV to nine.

The channels added to the MTS TV line-up:

GMA News TV International - Powered by the leading network in the Philippines, GMA News TV International provides Manitoba's Filipino community the latest, most comprehensive and credible news from home.

ABC Spark & ABC Spark HD - A new 24-hour channel featuring a unique blend of authentic and compelling entertainment - with diverse stories and relationships that are passionate, honest, and real - all told with optimism, humour, and heart.  ABC Spark is a combination of network-defining original series and movies, as well as quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals.

FX Canada & FX Canada HD - FX Canada delivers compelling entertainment to Canadians with critically-acclaimed dramas, hit comedies, FX original series and movies.

PIX HD New York - PIX HD New York has an extensive library of gigantic hit movies, first-run series, children's programming and off-network sitcom favourites.

documentary HD - Provocative and compelling, documentary HD is the premiere television service that delivers the best in Canadian and international docs, films, and series.

The new apps include:

Facebook on TV - Stay connected with friends and family with the Facebook app on TV.

The KARAOKE Channel - Enjoy the fun of singing in your own home.  The KARAOKE Channel app is perfect for family gatherings, parties, or singing your heart out whenever you want.

MTS Centre on Demand - An interactive app that allows viewers to browse, search, and discover events at the MTS Centre.

The Weather Network App - The Weather Network App gives viewers detailed forecasts and more for up to ten cities.  Get local current conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts.

For more information on MTS Classic TV and MTS Ultimate TV services, visit www.mts.ca/tv.

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.

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:    
Craig Lawrence
MTS Corporate Communications
[phone]
media[email protected]