Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Next Generation Radio and TV Services comes to Manitoba Cell Phones
MTS Allstream Launches QuickPlay Media’s Streaming Radio and TV Service
WINNIPEG, MB and TORONTO, ON - December 12, 2006
Manitobans will get even more out of their cell phones now that MTS Allstream Inc. (“MTS Allstream”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (Trading Symbol: MBT), QuickPlay Media Inc. (“QuickPlay”) and Standard Interactive have developed two new mobile services, Streaming TV and Streaming Radio, for MTS Mobility subscribers.
Powered by QuickPlay Media’s Personal Entertainment Server, the new Streaming TV service allows users to access TV clips in a variety of categories that include weather forecasts, sports highlights, comedy clips, movie trailers, horoscopes and much more. Clips start instantly when selected. With no need to wait for downloading time, the service provides quickly accessible entertainment and information.
“Cell phones today are about so much more than phone calls. Music, news, television – customers want that on their new phones,” said Kelvin Shepherd, President Consumer Markets, MTS Allstream. “Thanks to the content we are securing from QuickPlay, MTS Mobility subscribers will be able to access great content on the latest cell phones.”
Created in association with Standard Interactive, the Streaming Audio service allows users to access 38 channels of commercial-free music, delivered in real-time 24 hours a day.
“Users across Canada have responded enthusiastically to next-generation mobile audio and video services,” explains Raja Khanna, chief creative officer for QuickPlay Media. “We saw these two new services as a means of expanding mobile services to a very engaged Canadian market.”
Streaming Radio content is ideal for people on the move and includes genres such as: Ill Noiz (Urban/R&B), 2Kool4Radio (Alternative Indie), World Classical, Groove Jazz, 80s Hair Bands (Metal), Hit Country, Classic Country and more.
“Through our IcebergRadio.com service, Standard Interactive has created a great set of music channels that are not just random jukeboxes, they are custom-programmed by real people with a serious passion for music.” explains Rob Bolton, National Content Director for Standard Interactive. “We're convinced that listeners will love the stations, no matter how eclectic or obscure their tastes may be.”
The new features are now available on mobile through MTS Mobility, MTS Allstream’s wireless network, covering 97 per cent of the Manitoba population. The services are presently available on multimedia compatible devices that include Samsung a900, a920 and m500 devices. Subscription rates for both services at launch are $7 each month. Mobile Browser usage charges are separate.
About QuickPlay Media
QuickPlay Media Inc., a leader in interactive mobile media, is dedicated to delivering next generation mobile users experiences that increase usage and revenue. The company’s flagship white-label products, QuickPlay Personal Entertainment Center and QuickPlay Personal Entertainment Server, are supported by a team that combines deep expertise in both media and mobile telecommunications industries. QuickPlay Media was the first to introduce Mobile TV Service to the Canadian market with service to carriers Aliant Mobility, Bell Mobility, Fido, Rogers Wireless, SaskTel and Telus Mobility. Most recently, QuickPlay launched programs for ESPN, MTV and E! Networks in the United States. For more information on QuickPlay Media, visit: www.quickplay.com.
About MTS Allstream Inc.
MTS Allstream Inc. is one of Canada’s leading national communication solutions providers, delivering innovative products and services through its Consumer Markets and Enterprise Solutions divisions. Our Consumer Markets division serves small business customers nationally and residential customers in Manitoba with a full suite of wireline voice, high-speed Internet and data, next generation wireless, digital television, security and alarm monitoring services. Our Enterprise Solutions division provides national business customers with a world-class portfolio of IP-based connectivity, managed network services, and professional services. MTS Allstream's extensive national broadband fibre optic network spans more than 24,300 kilometres, and provides international connections through strategic partnerships and interconnection agreements with other international service providers. MTS Allstream is a subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. whose common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). For more information, please visit: www.mtsallstream.com.
About Standard Interactive
Standard Interactive is Canada’s premier online music and entertainment network, reaching over three and a half million monthly unique visitors across 132 websites. Specializing in content publishing, technology solutions and integrated advertising sales, the company also syndicates streamed audio and video content to online publishers and advertisers. Standard Interactive is the online division of Standard Broadcasting Corporation, Canada's largest privately-owned broadcast company.
For more information or the schedule interviews, please contact:
| Media Greg Burch Public Affairs Coordinator Consumer Markets MTS Allstream Inc. (204) 941-8576 media.relation@mtsallstream.com |
Investors Hugh Harley Manager Investor Relations MTS Allstream Inc. (204) 958-3587 investor.relations@mtsallstream.com |
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| QuickPlay Media Leo Tignini Horn Group for QuickPlay Media (646) 688-0590 ltignini@horngroup.com |
Standard Radio Trish Moran Standard Radio 416-323-5412 trish.moran@sbcl.net |