MTS to offer comprehensive Wireless Protection Program

eSecuritel program replaces lost, stolen, malfunctioning, or damaged devices

Stock Symbol:  MBT

WINNIPEG, Feb. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - MTS today announced it will offer its customers the opportunity to enrol in a wireless device insurance and extended warranty plan that will replace lost, stolen, damaged (including liquid damage), or malfunctioning wireless devices. The Wireless Protection Program, provided by eSecuritel, applies to customers signing up for new hardware activation or upgrading their current hardware. The program will replace cell phones, smartphones*, or wireless Internet devices, with a brand new replacement device with like or comparable features.

"MTS is pleased to provide this opportunity to our customers," said MTS President Kelvin Shepherd. "It's an unfortunate reality that cell phones go missing, are stolen, or are dropped in a puddle. For MTS customers subscribing to this new Program, these types of situations won't have the impact they used to."

The Wireless Protection Program offers three levels of protection, all with low monthly fees. The Complete Program, at seven dollars per month, covers devices for accidental damage, loss, theft, and malfunction (after the manufacturer warranty expires). The Enhanced Program covers loss, theft, and damage and has a monthly fee of five dollars. The Extended Warranty Program, at three dollars per month, protects against malfunction after the manufacturer's warranty has expired.

"We're excited to offer MTS a unique program which is proven to increase subscriber satisfaction and loyalty," said David Leach, CEO, eSecuritel. "With The Wireless Protection Program, MTS is well-positioned to serve its customers with a convenient and efficient device replacement experience that is unsurpassed."

The Program has a quick and efficient claims process with the majority of claims processed within five to seven minutes. Claims are made by calling eSecuritel's Customer Care Centre when an incident occurs with their wireless device. Once a claim is approved, the customer will pay a deductible and will then be directed to the most convenient MTS retail location to pick up their replacement device. The Program allows a maximum of two replacement devices within a 12 month period, not to exceed $1,000 per claim, beginning with the date of the first incident.

"The Wireless Protection Program means that customers who lose their cell phone can quickly get back to business or their day-to-day lives with a brand new replacement device. Losing a cell phone is an inconvenience. Replacing it shouldn't be," added Mr. Shepherd.

Please visit www.mts.ca/wpp and www.esecuritel.com/mts for more information.

*Excludes iPhones

About MTS
MTS Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS Allstream). 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.

About eSecuritel
Founded in 2001, eSecuritel, the expert in comprehensive cell phone insurance and replacement programs, delivers an unparalleled customer service experience for subscribers and profitability for carriers and dealers. Unlike other services where only malfunction is covered, eSecuritel provides phone protection for new, used, or prepaid wireless devices against loss, theft and accidental damage as well as mechanical/electronic failure and malfunction. As the cornerstone to our services delivery, our handset Issue Tracking System, or HITS™ technology, easily integrates with a carrier's or dealer's systems, managing all aspects of the mobile phone insurance program from subscriber enrollment to claim fulfillment. It removes the burden of program management, making it possible to deliver faster adjudication and replacement services to subscribers. eSecuritel is a subsidiary of Brightstar Corp. For more information, visit http://www.esecuritel.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: 
Sylvie Houghton 
MTS Corporate Communications
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