Telcos unlikely to fully deploy FTTH: Desjardins

High fibre costs and advancements in technology are among the reasons Canadian telcos are unlikely to expand their fibre-to-the-home [FTTH] footprint beyond 60 per cent coverage, according to Desjardins Capital Markets. 

CRTC’s lowering of HSA rates means small ISPs ‘free to innovate’: CNOC

The CRTC has set revised interim wholesale rates for high-speed access (HSA) services, criticizing large Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for proposing “unreasonable” rates that were too high, in a move small ISPs say leaves them “free to innovate.”

CRTC consulting on MTS licence transfer to Bell

The CRTC said Tuesday that it wants input on Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s application to transfer its broadcast distribution licences to BCE Inc. as part of the proposed acquisition of MTS by Bell.

Bell, MTS announce post-merger plans for Churchill, Man.

Gigabit-speed Internet will be introduced to Northern Manitoba under a BCE Inc.-owned Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., the companies announced Monday.

The improvement in Churchill, Man., would be part of the $1-billion-over-five-years investment Bell pledged to make as part of the acquisition proposal for MTS, said a press release.

CRTC allowing off-tariff GSM agreements, for now

The CRTC has determined that a hands-off approach to regulating roaming rates on GSM networks until it approves a final set of guidelines would not put smaller carriers in a negotiating disadvantage with larger ones.

The regulator drew that conclusion in a decision on Friday, stating that negotiations on GSM roaming pricing are optional and if a smaller carrier does not agree with the terms, “ it can use a Commission-approved default tariff that contains rates, terms, and conditions that are just and reasonable.”

MTS improves wireless churn, but still feeling double-cohort effect

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. said it made improvements to its post-paid wireless churn for the third consecutive quarter, though its total wireless subscribers were still down from a year ago, as it reported higher earnings numbers Wednesday evening.

MTS to offer Netflix on set-top box

Manitoba Telecommunications Services Inc. will begin offering Netflix Inc.’s streaming service directly on its set-top box.

The company said in a press release Thursday that the move “removes the hassle of having to switch video inputs or purchase additional hardware.”

It added that it was the “only Manitoba television provider to offer direct access to Netflix.”

Bell, MTS receive court approval for takeover

BCE Inc. and Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. have cleared yet another hurdle in their quest to combine, as the deal has now received court approval from the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench, according to a Wednesday press release.

MTS shareholders back Bell acquisition

The shareholders of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. have nearly unanimously approved its acquisition by BCE Inc.

Of the just over 43 million votes cast, 99.66 per cent were in favour of the acquisition, according to a Thursday press release.

Bell-MTS deal could pose regulatory risk for SaskTel: report

The biggest risk to Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. in the wake of BCE Inc.’s proposed $3.9-billion takeover of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. is the potential changing of the regulatory landscape, according to a provincially-commissioned analysis.

Wall prefers SaskTel sale over public offering: report

Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall told reporters he would rather sell Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. than take the company public and sell shares on the open market, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Selling shares is what Manitoba did with Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. in the 1990s, the article noted.

Proxy advisors, Manitoba gov’t back Bell-MTS deal

An independent proxy advisory company has backed the takeover of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. by BCE Inc., MTS said in a Tuesday press release.

MTS customers fear bill increases, unlimited data loss under Bell: poll

Current Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. customers are concerned about the future of their bills if the proposed takeover by BCE Inc. is approved, suggest the results of a new poll released Tuesday.

MTS considered SaskTel merger, Telus and Rogers declined to bid

An information package for Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. shareholders sheds some light on the genesis of the proposed $3.9-billion acquisition of the company by BCE Inc., announced May 2.

According to the 192-page document outlining various terms of the agreement in which shareholders could receive $40 cash per MTS share, it was a week-and-a-half-long process from offer to public announcement.

61% of Manitobans disapprove of Bell-MTS deal: Angus-Reid

The sale of Manitoba’s largest telecommunications company is not sitting well with Manitobans, with 61 per cent stating they don’t approve of the deal, while only 21 per cent said it would be good or very good for the province, according to a new Angus Reid poll.

The survey, released Wednesday, also found that disapproval is highest among those who are paying the closest attention to the story.

Bell-MTS deal raised in Manitoba legislature

The proposed $3.9-billion acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. by BCE Inc. dominated question period in the Manitoba legislature this week, with the opposition NDP peppering the governing Conservatives with questions about their support of the merger for three straight days.

SaskTel chooses company to conduct review

Toronto-based consulting company Mark H. Goldberg and Associates Inc. will conduct the third-party review of Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp., the company announced Friday.

Bell-MTS deal weakens Rogers’ ability to compete: academics

In a submission to the Competition Bureau arguing that allowing BCE Inc. to acquire Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.

Bell, MTS announce Manitoban service improvement

BCE Inc. and Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. made a high-profile overture Friday in their bid to join forces, announcing plans for a proposed merged operation to fill gaps in wireless coverage along a major north-south highway in the prairie province.

MTS Q1 revenues down on landline, wireless voice

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. reported a two-per-cent loss in revenues, earning $250.7 million in the three months ended March 31, compared to $255.9 million in the same period a year earlier.

Competition Bureau wants input on Bell-MTS deal

The Competition Bureau is asking for comment on BCE Inc.’s $3.9-billion bid to buy Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., it said in a press release Tuesday.

SaskTel embarking on review in wake of Bell-MTS deal

Faced with the prospect of becoming “an island in Western Canada” at the conclusion of the proposed Manitoba Telcom Services Inc. sale, Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. is launching a review, according to media reports.

Don’t ‘rubber-stamp’ Bell-MTS deal: NDP

NDP MPs pushed the innovation minister to closely scrutinize BCE Inc.’s proposed $3.9-billion acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. in the House of Commons Wednesday.

Telus revenues up, profits shrink in Q1

Telus Corp. revenues increased by 2.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2016, rising to $3.1 billion compared to $3.03 billion during the same period a year earlier, the company said Thursday.

In a press release outlining earnings for the three months ended March 31, the company attributed the increase to continued growth in its wireless and wireline operations, which saw revenues grow by 2.5 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively.

Bell’s MTS purchase to boost competition: MEI

The $3.9-billion acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. by BCE Inc. would increase competition in Manitoba’s wireless market, according to the authors of a new report from the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI).

Bell Media reps face grilling on MTS at House committee

OTTAWA — Parliamentarians hoping for answers to outstanding questions about Monday’s news that BCE Inc. had struck a deal to acquire Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. were left disappointed when representatives from Bell’s media division appeared on Parliament Hill Tuesday morning.

Experts say approval of Bell’s MTS acquisition likely

BCE Inc. announced Monday morning that it will purchase Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. in a $3.9 billion transaction that, if approved, will see the number of players in Manitoba’s telecom market fall from four to three.

Redirect voice subsidy to broadband, CRTC panel hears

GATINEAU, Que. — With the use of landlines declining across the country, the money collected for the provision of universal phone service should be reallocated to cover areas of the country underserved by broadband connectivity, CRTC commissioners heard Thursday.

On the ninth day of a three-week basic services hearing, the five-member panel was encouraged to stay away from the idea of creating new subsidies to fund the gaps in Internet service.

Deferral account-funded broadband expansion complete

A $422 million expansion of broadband Internet services to underserved communities has been completed, the CRTC confirmed Thursday.

In 2010, the regulator approved plans by BCE Inc., Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. and Telus Corp. to connect more than 280 rural and remote communities in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, the regulator said in a press release.

Telecoms to feel economic headwinds: analyst

Barclays Capital analyst Phillip Huang said Monday that providers of telecommunications services in Canada will feel the effects of the struggling economy.

He said in a research note that most of repercussions from things such as the collapsing price of oil will be seen in services provided to business customers, as opposed to the consumer market where Internet and wireless services have become "more utility than discretionary."   

Forbes downplays potential MTS selloff after Allstream deal

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. CEO Jay Forbes on Monday downplayed the likelihood that the whole company could be sold in the wake of a deal to unload its business communications division, Allstream.

MTS announced Monday that it has an agreement in place to sell Allstream to Boulder, Colo.-based Zayo Group Holdings Inc. for $465 million in cash.

3Macs telecom analyst Troy Crandall said the deal is positive for MTS, as Allstream has been "an albatross around the neck of Manitoba Tel every since it was acquired."

MTS revenue, profits down in Q3

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. on Wednesday reported lower revenue and profits compared to a year earlier.

It said in a press release that revenue was down one per cent to $398.4 million for the three months ended Sept. 30. Net earnings came in at $26.7 million, down from $36.8 million one year earlier.

MTS said revenue was down due to declines in wireless-voice and long-distance revenue, partially offset by gains in wireless-data, Internet, "information solutions" and IPTV revenues.

Liberals to be ‘less aggressive’ on 4th-player policy: analyst

Canaccord Genuity analysts Aravinda Galappatthige and Sanford Lee said Tuesday that they expect a Liberal majority government, as elected Monday, to take a “softer pro-wireless new entrant stance.”

They said in a research note that the previous Conservative government had “consistently pursued the idea of a fourth national wireless player” through policies such as spectrum caps and set-asides in spectrum auctions, expecting that more competition would lower prices for consumers.

MTS seeks another extension on Classic TV alert compliance

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. is asking the CRTC to grant its Classic TV customers another exemption from the regulator’s emergency alert rules, which would be in place until MTS is able to migrate all customers to set-top boxes capable of receiving such alerts.

MTS puts LTE in 2 more rural communities

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. said Wednesday it has brought LTE to two more rural communities, making for 30 non-urban areas that have received this level of service so far this year.

MTS said in a press release that the two new LTE-enabled communities are Hamiota, about 300 kilometres west of Winnipeg, and MacGregor, which is around 120 kilometres west of the Manitoba capital.

MTS seen as acquisition target for Bell

A stock market analyst has speculated that an acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. by BCE Inc. is likely next year.

A research note Wednesday from TD Securities analyst Vince Valentini said that with MTS set to sell off its Allstream division in the coming months, “we believe that the stage will be set for a sale of the remaining Manitoba operations to one of the larger telcos in Canada by mid-2016.”

Kelvin Shepherd stepping down from MTS

Kelvin Shepherd is retiring as president of Manitoba Telecom Service Inc., paving the way for Jay Forbes to take on the roles of both chief executive and president, the company said Monday.

Competition Bureau seeks info on iPhone pricing from carriers

The Competition Bureau has filed applications in Federal Court seeking information from wireless carriers about how they set prices for Apple Inc.’s devices.

MTS chops operations at Allstream

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. said Thursday that, following a strategic review, it will make cuts to staff and capital spending at its Allstream division.

MTS's Allstream, which provides business communications services across the country, will cut 25 per cent of its staff, MTS said in a press release. That includes 100 people who left the company immediately and 400 more who have been notified their jobs are ending over the next year or so. It also said it will cut capital spending at Allstream by 20 to 30 per cent.

MTS lobbies senior federal officials

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. CEO Jay Forbes met with three cabinet ministers and the head of Canada’s telecommunications regulatory body over the last five weeks, according the federal lobbying registry.

MTS chief executive Jay Forbes communicated with Finance Minister Joe Oliver on March 3, CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais on Feb. 18, Industry Minister James Moore on Feb. 17, as well as Winnipeg MP and Heritage Minister Shelly Glover on Feb. 6, according to the registry.

Business market growth elusive for some telecoms

Canadian telecommunications providers are looking to the business market to pick up the slack from the increasingly competitive consumer space, yet financial data from the incumbent service providers shows, in the opinion of one analyst, that competing in that low-margin segment is a challenge.

Macquarie Capital Markets analyst Greg MacDonald said that entering the business market as a new competitor would be "very, very difficult" but that there could be opportunities in serving small businesses.

Enterprise customers ‘more demanding’: Allstream head

MONTREAL — Business customers have become more knowledgeable about technology and more specific about their telecommunications needs, said Michael Strople, president of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s Allstream division.

Jay Forbes to become MTS chief executive

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. said Monday that Jay Forbes will replace Pierre Blouin as chief executive.

MTS Classic TV phase-out hastened by CRTC rules

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.'s first generation of IPTV service was already on the way out, pushed aside by a more technologically advanced alternative the carrier started in 2009, but CRTC requirements for participation in a national alert system might bring about the demise of MTS Classic TV sooner than expected.

MTS financial numbers down despite more subs

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. on Wednesday reported lower third-quarter earnings and revenue, despite adding subscribers to its main retail categories.

The company said in a press release that its revenue in the quarter was down 1.5 per cent from a year earlier to $402.4 million. MTS attributed the decline largely to falling revenue in its Allstream phone services for businesses, as well as lower voice and wholesale revenue in its wireless division.

Net earnings came in at $36.5 million, down from $42 million a year earlier.

Rogers ranked fastest Canadian ISP by PCMag.com

For the second year in a row, PCMag.com has named Rogers Communications Inc. the fastest Internet service provider in Canada.

MTS opens new network monitoring facility

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. has opened a new Winnipeg facility for monitoring and managing its network infrastructure, the company said in a press release Thursday.

The Manitoba Network Operations Centre will also “act as a hub for innovation, knowledge and communications for MTS’s network operations personnel,” it said, adding that about 50 staff will work on the site.

The facility will monitor network components including cellular sites, backbone fibre networks and routers, servers and firewalls, it said.

MTS announces agreement on pensions

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. said Wednesday it has reached an agreement with its unions and retirees regarding a pension plan that was in dispute following its 1997 privatization and was subject to a Supreme Court decision early this year.

BlackBerry launches Passport, new app

BlackBerry Ltd. launched a new smartphone, the Passport, on Wednesday, as well as an app that brings content from BlackBerry smartphones to computers and tablets.

The Passport, revealed at a launch event in Toronto that featured hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, is aimed at professional users, the company said in a press release, has a physical keyboard, as well as a 4.5-inch touchscreen shaped like a square and is roughly the size of a Canadian passport.

MTS, SaskTel to carry iPhone 6

Two regional wireless carriers from the Prairie provinces announced Monday they will carry Apple Inc.'s new iPhone 6. when it becomes available on Sept. 19.

Bell says rural broadband commitment fulfilled

BCE Inc. says it has held up its end of a 2006 deal with the CRTC by hooking up 112 rural communities to broadband Internet by Aug. 29.

“Bell completed broadband service rollouts to all 112 communities in our deferral account-funded broadband program by Aug. 29, as planned,” company spokeswoman Jacqueline Michelis said in an email.

DiversityCanada granted fraction of costs claimed in CRTC proceeding

Analysts, carrier question policy on AWS-3 set-asides

Analysts are split on the wisdom of Industry Canada’s rules for the upcoming AWS-3 auction, which appear to put valuable spectrum in two provinces out of reach for any carrier.

MTS posts lower profit on wireless weakness

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. on Thursday posted slightly lower profits in the second quarter of 2014 from the same period last year, with growth in broadband Internet and Internet protocol TV (IPTV) revenues offset by declines in revenue for wireless and legacy services such as home phones.

The company said in an earnings release that it had a profit of $142.5 million in the quarter on revenues of $403.3 million, down from $147.6 million on $401.5 million in the same period last year.

MTS expands LTE network in Manitoba

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. said Monday it has expanded its LTE network to Swan River, Man., which is about 500 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

MTS said in a press release the service will provide download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, making it ideal for downloading files, streaming video and online gaming.

It said other LTE expansions in Manitoba this year have included Thompson, Dauphin, Falcon Lake, Jessica Lake and West Hawk Lake, among other communities.

CRTC warns companies as rural broadband deadline looms

This week the CRTC warned three companies — Telus Corp., BCE Inc. and Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. — about missing a late-August deadline for expanding broadband service to rural communities.

The deadline is part of a 2006 agreement on the use of money set aside from the companies’ telephone operations as independent local exchange carriers (ILECs) between 2002 and 2006 at the behest of the CRTC.

Allstream gets certified for Ethernet service

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. on Monday said its business-networking arm, Allstream, had achieved a level of certification for its Ethernet services to enterprises, and is the first national carrier in Canada to receive this particular distinction.

MTS said in a press release that Allstream is now certified Carrier Ethernet (CE) 2.0, by a global organization called the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF).

MTS plans network upgrade for six communities

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. said it will be launching a 4G HSPA+ mobile network in six rural Manitoba communities this year, giving around 4,000 residents wireless speeds that are up to five times faster than their current CDMA network.

The communities getting the upgrades are Churchill, Ebb and Flow First Nation, Fisher River First Nation, Snow Lake, Bissett and Middlebro, MTS said in a press release Thursday.

Dean Prevost leaving Allstream

Dean Prevost, president of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s MTS Allstream business unit, will leave the company on Jan. 17.

MTS said in a release Tuesday he would step down “in order to pursue other interests.”

MTS expands fibre to Lorette

MTS Inc. has extended its fibre-to-the-home service to Lorette, Man.

The company said in a release Friday the rollout will give residents access to its IPTV service, MTS Ultimate TV, as well as its high-speed Internet plans.

The expansion is part of a multi-year program to bring the service, called Fion, to more than 20 communities across Manitoba, MTS said.

MTS to provide WiFi to Winnipeg public facilities

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. will provide WiFi to Winnipeg’s libraries, arenas, and other community facilities, the company said Monday.

MTS said in a release it would invest approximately $2 million “to bring Wi-Fi to 350 City of Winnipeg locations.” 

It added the company currently has over 400 Wi-Fi hotspots in the province.

Allstream no longer for sale as Accelero deal the first blocked for national security

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. is removing the “for sale” sign from its Allstream division following the Conservative government's decision to block its sale to Accelero Capital Holdings, said Chris Peirce, the company’s chief corporate officer.

“We think Allstream is in the right place in terms of our market niche,” Peirce said in a telephone interview Wednesday. “We’re going to focus on building the Allstream business.”

MTS expands DSL service in rural Manitoba

MTS Inc., a subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., expanded its DSL Internet service to Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation, Brunkild, and Seven Sisters Falls, Man.

The company plans to bring the service to eight more communities this year, MTS said in a release Thursday.

MTS reports $52.9m loss in second quarter

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. reported a loss of $52.9 million in the second quarter of 2013 that ended June 30, mostly related to the discontinued operations of its Allstream business division.

"After announcing the sale of Allstream on May 24, 2013, following a successful review process, MTS moves forward as a stronger, more focused and more stable company. Our second-quarter performance reflects our leading position in Manitoba as a pure-play telecom provider," MTS chief executive Pierre Blouin said in a statement Thursday.

Strople joins Metro Ethernet Forum board

Mike Strople, chief operating officer of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s Allstream subsidiary, was elected to the board of international industry group the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), Allstream said.

In a release Monday, Allstream said Strople, who has been with the company since 2005, was one of three new members elected to the MEF board at its July 23 annual meeting in Montreal. He is the only Canadian among the group’s 11 board members, the company said.

MTS workers reach tentative agreement

The Telecommunications Employees Association of Manitoba (TEAM) Local 161 reached a tentative agreement on a revised collective agreement with Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., a release said.

MTS workers authorize strike

About one-third of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s (MTS) Manitoba-based workforce voted to authorize a strike and could walk off the job in two weeks, the Telecommunications Employees Association of Manitoba (TEAM) Local 161 said.

In a release Friday, TEAM said that 82.2 per cent of its more than 1,000 members voted to authorize a strike that could start as early as July 16. TEAM members include MTS managers, sales team and other support staff.

Rogers looking for more wireless spectrum sharing deals to compete with Telus, BCE

Rogers Communications Inc. said it aims to improve its competitive position against BCE Inc. and Telus Corp. through more wireless network sharing agreements, though analysts do not yet see potential for Rogers to expand those deals from coast-to-coast.

Sawiris re-enters Canadian market with deal for Allstream

Former Wind Mobile backer Naguib Sawiris said he is re-entering the Canadian telecom market with a “long-term commitment” and the purchase of Allstream from Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. in a deal valued at $520 million.

Sawiris' Paris-based investment firm, Accelero Capital Holdings, which has also submitted an offer to purchase Wind Mobile Canada from Amsterdam-based VimpelCom Ltd., will purchase the Allstream business services unit and its national fibre network, Accelero said in a release Friday.

Ontario communities look at repurposing broadcast towers for mobile services

Six Ontario communities are looking for partnerships with wireless carriers to launch or improve local mobile services using repurposed radio and TV broadcast towers, which could mean cellphone service for some of the province’s most rural and hard-to-reach areas, said people involved in the project.

The towers could make use of an existing mobile carrier's spectrum, extending its service into hard-to-reach areas, the people said in interviews, or the communities may look at purchasing their own spectrum licences to roll out mobile service.

MTS to spend $40m on 2013 upgrades, expansion

MTS Inc. will invest $40 million this year to upgrade and enhance its telecom infrastructure in rural Manitoba, the company said.

In a release Wednesday, MTS said the investment, which comes in addition to “normal operating investments,” will be used to expand the coverage of its fibre-to-the-home and fourth-generation LTE wireless networks, and to make other improvements to its basic telephone services.

MTS to expand fibre to Stonewall

MTS Inc. will begin deploying its fibre-to-the-home FiON network in Stonewall, Man., this summer and expects the service to be available in the area later this year, the company said.

In a release Thursday, MTS said its rollout of the fibre network will give Stonewall residents access to its IPTV service, MTS Ultimate TV, as well as the company’s “newest and fastest” Internet plans.

MTS union objects to conciliation officer

Team-IFPTE Local 161, representing more than 1,200 managers working for MTS Inc. is “shocked” that the company’s chief negotiator asked the federal government to appoint a conciliation officer, the union said Monday.

In a release, Team said the claim that negotiations have reached an impasse is “preposterous.”

The union said MTS is “prematurely” applying for government intervention in collective bargaining and it will work with the conciliator towards a collective agreement.

MTS wins contract from federal government

MTS Allstream Inc. signed a “multi-year contract” to provide business IP and switched Ethernet services to the federal government through Shared Services Canada, the company said Friday.

MTS profits rise, reports larger customer base

MTS Allstream Inc.’s profits reached $40.8 million in the third quarter of 2012, the company said Thursday.

In a release, MTS said profits for the three-month period ended Sept. 30, 2012, was up from $37 million in the same quarter a year earlier. The company said earnings per share rose 8.9 per cent over the same quarter of 2011 to reach 61 cents.

MTS and SaskTel reach roaming agreement

MTS Allstream Inc. reached a roaming agreement with SaskTel that “immediately” improves its HSPA+ wireless coverage in Saskatchewan, the company said Wednesday.

In a release, MTS said its customers now have access to SaskTel’s HSPA+ network, which covers 98 per cent of the province’s population.

“Our new agreement with SaskTel significantly increases the 4G HSPA+ roaming coverage for MTS customers travelling or doing business in Saskatchewan,” Kelvin Shepherd, president of MTS, said in a release.

MTS rolls out fibre-to-the-home service

MTS Allstream Inc. launched its MTS Fion fibre-to-the-home network in Neepawa, Man., the company said Monday.

MTS said in a release the new fibre optic network will bring high-speed Internet and MTS' IPTV service, Ultimate TV, to Neepawa residents.

MTS said it is investing $125 million over “several years” to deploy the fibre service to 120,000 residents in Manitoba and that its IPTV service will be available in more than 20 communities.

MTS turns on LTE in Manitoba

MTS Allstream Inc. turned on its fourth-generation LTE network in Winnipeg and Brandon, Man. at the end of August, the company said Tuesday.

In a release, MTS said its new LTE network offers download speeds of up to 75 Mbps and complements the company’s HSPA+ network.

The LTE service is available in Winnipeg and Brandon and the company “plans to expand its new network to more communities across Manitoba in 2013,” the release said.

MTS undertakes strategic review

MTS Allstream Inc. is undertaking a “wide-ranging strategic review” of its Allstream telecom business with an eye on appealing to potential foreign investors, the company said Thursday.

MTS grows bundled customers

MTS Allstream Inc. reported profits of $44.5 million in the three-month period ending June 30, down from $49.8 million in the same quarter a year earlier.

In a release Thursday, MTS said earnings per share in the second quarter of 2012 rose 4.7 per cent to reach $0.67. The company said consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose 1.8 per cent in the quarter, reaching $153.5 million.

Telus, MTS so far met 30-60% of rural broadband obligations, Bell lagging, Katz says

TORONTO—MTS Allstream Inc. and Telus Corp. are leading in the rollout of broadband for remote communities under a 2010 CRTC directive while BCE Inc. subsidiaries Bell Canada and Bell Aliant are falling behind, Len Katz, acting chair of the CRTC, told The Wire Report Tuesday at the 2012 Canadian Telecom Summit.