TORONTO, ON, June 16, 2008 – Today, MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") announced it has won the 2008 Microsoft Partner of the Year award for Information Worker Solutions, Unified Communications. The company was chosen out of an international field of top Microsoft partners as delivering a market-leading customer solution built on Microsoft technology.

MTS Allstream was recognized for superior technology and innovation in Information Worker Solutions, Unified Communications. The Information Worker Solutions, Unified Communications Partner of the Year award recognizes exceptional partners that have excelled in offering breakthrough Microsoft Office system-based communications solutions. Awards were presented in a number of categories, with winners chosen from a pool of more than 2,000 entrants worldwide.

"We are very pleased to have been chosen by Microsoft for this award," said John MacDonald, President, Enterprise Solutions division, MTS Allstream. "The solutions we provide for our customers using Microsoft Office system-based communications, including our Real-time Collaboration and Unified Communications solutions, help businesses collaborate effectively and securely across dispersed work locations and through a wide array of communication tools. It is precisely these types of solutions that are helping bring MTS Allstream closer to our vision of delivering true value as seen through the eyes of the customer."

MTS Allstream’s professional services in Information Management, Enterprise Applications, Security and Project Management help organizations drive growth, increase employee productivity, and empower them with an effective workforce. MTS Allstream shares the strength of connectivity and communication in its enterprise-wide business applications allowing its expertise across e-mail, IM, voice, data, video, and web conferencing to add unique value to its customers’ business.

"Today’s healthcare providers face numerous challenges. Through MTS Allstream’s integration of the Microsoft Unified Communications platform and 2007 Microsoft Office system collaboration technologies, healthcare organizations can now track staff effectively and provide mobile workers with virtually anywhere access. MTS Allstream’s hard work is truly helping to improve healthcare in Canada," says Lora Gernon, Senior Director, Partner Group, Microsoft Canada.

The Microsoft Partner Program Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions during the last year.

About MTS Allstream Inc.
MTS Allstream Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., and is one of Canada’s leading national communication solutions providers, delivering innovative products and services through the Enterprise Solutions and Consumer Markets divisions. The Enterprise Solutions division, which operates under the Allstream brand nationally and under the MTS brand in Manitoba, is a leading competitor in the national business and wholesale markets. This division offers customers a portfolio of solutions tailored to the needs of medium and large businesses looking for success in a world of rapidly evolving technology – Internet protocol-based communications, unified communications, voice and data connectivity services. The Consumer Markets division leads every telecommunications market segment in Manitoba, delivering a full suite of next generation wireless, high-speed Internet and data, digital television and wireline voice services under the MTS brand, as well as small business services across Canada under the Allstream brand, and security and alarm monitoring services through AAA Alarm Systems Ltd., an affiliate of MTS Allstream which also operates in other western provinces. MTS Allstream’s extensive national broadband fibre optic network spans more than 24,300 kilometres, and provides international connections through strategic alliances and interconnection agreements with other international service providers. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). For more information, please visit: www.mtsallstream.com.

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