Stock Symbol:  MBT

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2011 /CNW/ - Allstream continues to make strong progress executing its Internet Protocol (IP) strategy with significant sales in the mid-market, particularly with its suite of IP connectivity products and services. Allstream's strong progress in the IP market is in keeping with the company's focus on IP sales and the accelerated expansion of its fibre network in major urban centres across Canada.

Some of the customers that recently signed contracts to take advantage of Allstream's suite of IP connectivity services include Total Energy Services Inc., Airports Council International, PetroBakken Energy, MacKay LLP, Prestige Telecom, Avigilon, Advanced Energy and Concord Steel Centre.

"As the year comes to a close, we are pleased that our strong IP sales continue to generate momentum, which reflects the success of our strategy of focusing on mid-market on-net sales," said Dean Prevost, President of Allstream.

About Allstream

Allstream is a Canadian leader in IP communications and the only national provider that works exclusively with business customers of all sizes. For more information on Allstream services and solutions, please visit www.allstream.com.

Allstream is a division of MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. 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 5,500 employees across Canada dedicated to a mission of delivering true value as seen through the eyes of our customers. MTS Allstream has 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. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.'s common shares are listed on Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). Customers, stakeholders and investors who want to learn more about MTS Allstream are encouraged to visit: www.mtsallstream.com.

Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer

This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, the "statements") about our corporate direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives,  planned activities, future financial results and performance that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  As a consequence, actual results in the future may differ materially from any conclusion, forecast, anticipation or projection in such forward-looking statements.  Examples of statements that constitute forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "project", "should", "anticipate", "could", "target", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "outlook", "see", "set", "pending", and other similar terms.

Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters identified in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section and elsewhere in our most recent annual MD&A and any subsequent quarterly MD&As, as well as our most recent Annual Information Form, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Please note that forward-looking statements reflect our expectations as at the date hereof.  We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.   

For further information:

Media:          
Jessica Poitras
Corporate Communications
(204) 941-7823
media.relations@mtsallstream.com