WINNIPEG, MB, September 29, 2011 - Building on its position as the leading wireless service provider in Manitoba, MTS today announced plans to deploy advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE), the world's fastest mobile wireless network, beginning in 2012. LTE will provide superior performance for high-speed data, video and multi-media applications and will complement MTS's current advanced 4G wireless services.

"With the deployment of LTE technology, MTS expects to continue to offer the best overall wireless data experience in the most locations within Manitoba," said Kelvin Shepherd, President, MTS. "LTE will further improve our customers' wireless service experience by providing increased data speeds, access to exciting new wireless devices and by increasing their ability to access converged multi-media services across MTS high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi, and mobile wireless networks."

LTE technology is expected to feature initial peak data rates as fast as 75 megabits per second (Mbps) with future data rates of 150 Mbps and beyond. The new LTE network will support average user speeds that are up to five times faster than MTS's current 4G HSPA+ wireless network and will enable MTS to expand its handset options as new LTE enabled devices are introduced in the market.

Planning and infrastructure development is well underway and MTS will turn on the first phase of its new LTE network in 2012. MTS customers with LTE devices have access to MTS's extensive 4G network and roaming capabilities in locations where LTE is not yet available.

"MTS is committed to providing best-in-class telecommunication services in Manitoba and MTS customers will be among the first in the province to experience this world leading technology," added Shepherd. "We expect the cost of our initial LTE investment will be lower than our previous HSPA+ network deployment, and that it will be accommodated within our normal capital funding."

MTS has a strong history of technical leadership and is the first and only carrier in Manitoba to specifically announce its commitment to providing Manitobans with the world's fastest mobile wireless network. MTS's LTE network will operate on the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum that MTS acquired in Industry Canada's auction process in 2008.