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Ericsson selected as exclusive supplier to MTS Allstream for province-wide high speed network overlay

^{Published on 2009-11-10 07:17:41 - Market Wire}
 

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN--(Marketwire - November 10, 2009) -

Ericsson today announced that it will provide Manitoba-based MTS Allstream a unique network solution to overlay its existing CDMA mobile network with HSPA+ technology. HSPA+ boosts network capacity and enables data rates of up to 21 Mbps which will significantly improve users' mobile broadband experience and increase data speeds across MTS Allstream's entire CDMA network.

In conjunction with the previously announced shared network and roaming agreement between MTS Allstream and Rogers, the technology overlay will give MTS Allstream's customer base improved access speeds as well as act as the foundation for MTS Allstream's future technology plans.

"HSPA Evolution technology gives businesses and consumers unparalleled mobile broadband access speeds," said Mark Henderson, President & CEO of Ericsson Canada. "Additionally, using shared network technology is a cost effective way for MTS Allstream to build out its network with the most advanced wireless technology available."

With much faster connection speeds, MTS Allstream's customers will now be able to access robust applications on the most expansive HSPA+ network in Manitoba, giving them the freedom to work and play whether they are in the middle of the city or at the cottage.

"MTS Allstream is pleased to be working with a world leading wireless network solutions provider to deliver advanced wireless services in Manitoba," said Kelvin Shepherd, President Consumer Markets at MTS Allstream. "Ericsson's proven track record for delivering innovation and quality products and services assures us that we've made the right choice for our Manitoba wireless network overlay."

Ericsson will supply MTS Allstream with an end-to-end mobile broadband overlay infrastructure solution (both hardware and software); including radio access network technology, mobile switching solutions, mobile packet backbone, network management systems and professional services.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 1 billion subscribers and has a leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of "to be the prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 75,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 209 billion (USD 32.2 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX NASDAQ, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.

 CDMA: code division multiple access HSPA+: high speed packet access evolved [ www.ericsson.com ][ www.ericsson.mobi ][ www.twitter.com/ericssonpress ]

About MTS Allstream

As one of Canada's leading national communication solutions companies, MTS Allstream provides innovative communications for the way Canadians want to live and work today. The Company has more than 100 years of experience, with 6,000 employees across Canada dedicated to a mission of delivering true value as seen through the eyes of our customers. In 2008, MTS Allstream had nearly two million total customer connections spanning business customers across Canada and residential consumers throughout the province of Manitoba. The Company's extensive national broadband and fibre optic network spans almost 30,000 kilometres. MTS Allstream is a proud sponsor of Cindy Klassen, 2006 World Champion and Canada's greatest Olympian, and a proud contributor to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.'s common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). Customers, stakeholders and investors who want to learn more about MTS Allstream services, markets, community commitments and record of creating shareholder value are encouraged to visit: [ www.mtsallstream.com ].

 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Patricia Maclean Director of Communications Ericsson Canada [ patricia.maclean@ericsson.com ] 905.206.7928 Jill Gibson Corporate Communications MTS Allstream [ media.relations@mtsallstream.com ] (416) 640-7011 

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