MTS Allstream will move forward with steps to introduce next-generation high-speed Internet and TV services to Manitoba customers, with more HDTV offerings, personal and digital video recorder functionality, improved guide features and other advances. The new services will be powered by a combination of network connectivity provided by Alcatel-Lucent Canada and the award-winning Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV and multimedia platform.

MTS Allstream is entering into agreements with both Microsoft and Alcatel-Lucent that will enable the company to introduce an initial set of services on a limited basis in 2008. A trial location outside of Winnipeg is being considered.

“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.”

“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 favorite content, services, devices and people,” said Christine Heckart, general manager of marketing for Microsoft TV at Microsoft Corp. “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.”