MTS Allstream, Microsoft, Alcatel-Lucent to introduce enhanced broadband internet and TV services

Canadian communication solutions providers and wholly owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc, MTS Allstream Inc, is entering into agreements with both Microsoft and Alcatel-Lucent that will enable the company to introduce an initial set of next-generation high-speed internet and TV services on a limited basis in 2008, for which it is considering a trial location outside Winnipeg.

The next-generation high-speed internet and TV services will comprise more high-definition TV (HDTV) offerings, personal and digital video recorder (PVR and DVR) functionality, improved guide features and other advances.

The new services will be powered by a combination of network connectivity provided by Alcatel-Lucent Canada Inc and Microsoft's Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and multimedia platform.

"This is an evolution of our existing Internet and MTS TV services, and positions MTS Allstream to continue its success as Manitoba's telecommunications provider of choice, be it local service, high-speed Internet, television or wireless," said Kelvin Shepherd, president, consumer markets division, MTS Allstream.

"Leveraging the broadband network and MTS TV investments we have made over the past several years, we will be adding the established and successful Microsoft Mediaroom solution to extend our current proven digital TV platform. Together with connectivity from Alcatel-Lucent, this will provide the basis for not only advanced TV services, but improvements to our high-speed Internet service, and the opportunity for new services and features that cross the different platforms we offer, including wireless. This will reinforce the success of our bundling strategy, and the competitive strength of our business without impacting our capital spending in 2008."

Christine Heckart, general manager of marketing for Microsoft TV at Microsoft Corp, said "As the television becomes connected to the broadband network and powerful software is added, new connected TV experiences become possible, so people can connect with their favourite content, services, devices and people. Together with Alcatel-Lucent and Microsoft, MTS Allstream is very well positioned to offer a way for its customers to experience the next generation of television, featuring entirely new connected TV services."

"As the world leader in both IPTV and Mobile TV deployment, we are bringing our real-world experience and knowledge to help MTS Allstream move to the next generation of information, communications and entertainment experiences for their customers," said Alex Giosa, president of Alcatel-Lucent Canada. "We also support MTS Allstream's time-to-market objectives by implementing a secure and reliable infrastructure capable of delivering high-end multimedia services."

Further details on the introduction of these new services will be provided over the next several months.