Much-anticipated new BlackBerry mobile computing platform coming soon to MTS

WINNIPEG, MB, January 30, 2013- MTS today announced that the new BlackBerry® Z10 smartphone powered by BlackBerry® 10 is expected to be available to MTS customers in March 2013. The BlackBerry Z10 is the first smartphone to launch with the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform, offering customers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience.

"With the highly-anticipated BlackBerry 10 platform, the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone will join MTS's lineup of LTE-enabled devices," said MTS President Kelvin Shepherd. "MTS has developed a reputation for leading-edge technology, and we're pleased that one of the most talked about innovations in the wireless world will soon be available to our customers."

"The BlackBerry Z10 smartphone delivers a powerful new platform for BlackBerry customers. Combined with the 4G networks and service plans from MTS, BlackBerry Z10 customers will be delighted with a re-invented communication experience, seamless multitasking, easy access to multiple social networks, and the peace of mind that BlackBerry security gives them," said Carlo Chiarello, EVP, Global Smartphone Business at RIM.

BlackBerry 10 gives customers a faster and smarter experience that continuously adapts to their needs. Every feature, every gesture, and every detail is designed to keep customers moving and includes advancements such as:

  • Peek and Flow into the BlackBerry Hub - A new mobile computing paradigm where what matters to customers is always only one swipe away
  • Keyboard - Understands and adapts to customers, so they can type faster and more accurately
  • BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger) - Allows customers to share things with the people that matter to them in an instant
  • BlackBerry® Balance™ technology - Protects what is important to customers and the businesses they work for

BlackBerry Z10 customers will have access to the MTS 4G LTE Network, Manitoba's only 4G LTE Network which offers download speeds of up to 75 Mbps. And, with 97 per cent of the Manitoba population covered by MTS's 4G HSPA+ Network, they will continue to have great high-speed coverage outside of Winnipeg and Brandon. Customers will also benefit from 185 MTS Wi-Fi® hotspots across Manitoba.

For more information on MTS devices and offers, please visit the nearest MTS Connect store or go to www.mts.ca/wireless.

About MTS

MTS is the leading full-service communications provider for residential and business customers in Manitoba. The company's suite of products and services include the latest in wireless technology, high-speed Internet, an award-winning IPTV service, voice services, home security, and an extensive range of business solutions. A technology leader, MTS operates advanced wireless networks delivering the best coverage for Manitobans with its 4G, CDMA and Wi-Fi wireless networks and is investing to build out its extensive fibre-to-the-home network in over 20 Manitoba communities. MTS's momentum is fuelled by the knowledge, skills and spirit of its 3,000 Manitoba-based employees. With over 100 years of operations, MTS is rooted firmly in the community and is a proud sponsor of the MTS Centre, home to the NHL's Winnipeg Jets. MTS is wholly owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. which is listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). For information on MTS's products and services, please visit www.mts.ca.

Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer

This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, the "statements") about the Company's corporate direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives and 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 or projection in such forward-looking statements. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on them. 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 "Material assumptions" section below, the "Risks and uncertainties" section, elsewhere in the Company's 2011 Annual MD&A and 2011 Annual Information Form, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Please note that forward looking statements reflect Management's expectations as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims 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.

BlackBerry, RIM, Research In Motion and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited. RIM is not responsible for any third party products or services.

  • Media:
    • Chelsea Ross
    • Corporate Communications
    • 204-958-1848
    • media.relations@mtsallstream.com
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