Next Generation MTS HDTV combines technology from Alcatel-Lucent Canada and Microsoft Mediaroom

WINNIPEG, MB, March 31, 2009 - Today, MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") launches MTS HDTV - the most advanced television experience in Canada - to residents in Winnipeg. MTS HDTV is the next generation of high definition television ("HDTV"), personal video recorder ("PVR"), improved guide features and other TV advancements. MTS Allstream is the first company in Canada to launch a digital television service that includes combined technology from Alcatel-Lucent Canada Inc. ("Alcatel-Lucent") and the award-winning Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol television ("IPTV") software platform.

"We are thrilled to bring the most advanced TV experience in Canada to Winnipeg residents and to share the next generation of TV with our customers," said Kelvin Shepherd, President Consumer Markets, MTS Allstream. "We are proud that we have built an innovative product like no other in the country with industry leaders Alcatel-Lucent and Microsoft, and we look forward to providing our customers with Canada's number one TV entertainment experience."

"We are pleased to be working with one of Canada's leading communications companies to launch MTS HDTV," said Christine Heckart, general manager of marketing for the TV, Video and Music Business at Microsoft Corp. "With Microsoft Mediaroom, MTS HDTV gives Winnipeg residents access to a high-quality and feature-rich digital TV experience that provides a new level of control over when and what they watch."

"MTS TV has been a tremendous success, and we are pleased to work with MTS to bring an advanced version of this innovative product to residents in Winnipeg," said Alex Giosa, President, Alcatel-Lucent
Canada. "As the world leader in both IPTV and broadband deployment, we look forward to bringing technologically advanced information and communications to customers."

Customers taking advantage of the new MTS HDTV can expect the same high standard of service that they have come to expect, with the added benefit of exciting new capabilities today, and more to come in the future. Along with an extensive lineup of over 250 digital TV and music channels and features like video on demand, the new services include 30 HDTV channels, with more channels to come in 2009; a PVR, which enables customers to control how and when programming is enjoyed; fast and reliable Internet service; and an interactive program guide with built-in picture-in-picture.

MTS HDTV is currently available to limited areas in Winnipeg, with more areas and features becoming available throughout 2009. Customers have the opportunity to maximize their bundle discount by signing up for all of their communications needs with MTS - wireless, high-speed Internet and, now, MTS HDTV.

For more information on MTS HDTV, visit www.mts.ca/hdtv.

About MTS Allstream

MTS Allstream 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 Allstream 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 connectivity, unified communications, IT consulting and security 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 in select markets 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 27,900 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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