Canadian telco MTS Allstream has selected HomePortal intelligent gateways from US firm 2Wire in order to enable a "major" expansion of its IPTV service 'MTS TV' in Manitoba, Canada.

MTS Allstream reportedly plans this expansion as part of its long-term broadband evolution strategy to bring television, Internet, phone, and home security and automation together on one platform.  The expansion has already started with a rollout in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and additional rollouts in the cities of Winnepeg and Brandon are planned for 2009.

"Our residential customers expect advanced broadband and TV services to be delivered reliably and seamlessly," said Kelvin Shepherd President of consumer markets division at MTS Allstream. "2Wire and its proven, high-quality HomePortal intelligent gateways are a critical part of our plans to extend functional and geographical coverage for our broadband and TV services."

MTS Allstream is the largest IPTV operator in Canada, accounting for 32% of Canadian IPTV subscribers, or 80,335, at June 2008.