MTS Allstream selects Microsoft and Alcatel-Lucent to deliver IPTV platform

January 18, 2008 – Canadian telco MTS Allstream has announced that it is to deliver IPTV and high-speed Internet to its customers using a combination of Alcatel-Lucent connectivity and the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV and multimedia platform.

MTS Allstream is entering into agreements with both Microsoft and Alcatel-Lucent that will enable the company to introduce an initial set of services on a limited basis in 2008, with a trial location outside Winnipeg being considered.

The new service will include HDTV offerings, personal video recorder (PVR) functionality and improved guide features.

“This is an evolution of our existing Internet and MTS TV services, and positions MTS Allstream to continue its success as Manitoba’s telecommunications provider of choice, be it local service, high-speed Internet, television or wireless,” said Kelvin Shepherd, President of the Consumer Markets Division for MTS Allstream.  “Leveraging the broadband network and MTS TV investments we have made over the past several years, we will be adding the established and successful Microsoft Mediaroom solution to extend our current proven digital TV platform. 

“Together with connectivity from Alcatel-Lucent, this will provide the basis for not only advanced TV services, but improvements to our high-speed Internet service, and the opportunity for new services and features that cross the different platforms we offer, including wireless.  This will reinforce the success of our bundling strategy, and the competitive strength of our business without impacting our capital spending in 2008.”

Alex Giosa, President of Alcatel-Lucent Canada, added: “We are bringing our real-world experience and knowledge to help MTS Allstream move to the next-generation of information, communications and entertainment experiences for their customers.  We also support MTS Allstream’s time-to-market objectives by implementing a secure and reliable infrastructure capable of delivering high-speed multimedia services.”

Further details on the introduction of these new services are expected to be released in the coming months.