Rexall Selects Allstream for Comprehensive Telecommunications Solution

Stock Symbol:  MBT

TORONTO, July 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Allstream (TO: MBT), Canada's all-business communications provider, today announced that Rexall has chosen Allstream to design and deliver a comprehensive telecommunications solution for its 448 stores across Canada. Allstream, the single most relevant competitor in Canada to Bell and TELUS for business customers, will provide Rexall with a next generation integrated data and voice network that will provide fast, reliable and flexible service.

Rexall worked with Allstream to create a new technology plan that will help guide the modernization of the communications infrastructure of their stores.  Using leading edge technologies such as SIP, Rexall will centralize its voice infrastructure, move their data to a dedicated and secure network, and leverage the benefits of Allstream's expertise to deliver new features while significantly reducing costs.

"We were very impressed with Allstream's agility, flexibility and customer-centric approach," said Ahmed Shariff, Sr. Director, I.T. Operations and JDE Financial Systems, Rexall. "Allstream understood that with the right technology we can improve our customers' experience in each of our stores.  Allstream studied our business, learned our needs and delivered a plan for a scalable end-to-end telecommunications solution that will allow us to unlock hidden value in our technology infrastructure.  This will also allow us to acquire and implement new technologies faster than ever before, especially as we grow."

"Allstream is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with Rexall, an innovative pharmacy leader," said Allstream Vice President National Sales, Edith Cloutier. "In such a competitive retail environment, companies like Rexall look to Allstream for innovative solutions that will differentiate them in the marketplace.  Our solution will free them up to focus even more on being a customer-focused and award-winning retailer."

About Allstream

Allstream is a Canadian leader in IP communications and the only national communications provider that works exclusively with business customers of all sizes. With nearly 600,000 customer connections, Allstream's momentum is fuelled by the knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit of its employees across the country who collaborate with customers to determine their unique communications solutions needs. Supported by its more than 30,000-kilometre nationwide high-performance fibre-optic network, Allstream's broad portfolio of business solutions are built from an array of advanced communications technologies and services including a wide range of innovative, highly-scalable IP-based solutions to help organizations communicate more efficiently and profitably. Allstream takes pride in its commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, and has long been recognized by its technology partners for the contributions made to their businesses. Allstream is wholly-owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., which is listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). For information on Allstream's products and solutions, please visit www.allstream.com.

About Rexall

With a heritage dating back to 1904, Rexall and Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacies are among the most trusted names in retail pharmacy. Rexall is focused on helping Canadians feel good about their health through easy access to a wide assortment of health and wellness services and products. Supported by our team of 8,600 employees in 448 pharmacies across the country, Rexall is continually evolving to enhance the customer experience. For more information visit Rexall.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 2013 Annual MD&A and 2013 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:
Keith Irish
Corporate Communications
416-644-6888
[email protected]