MTS Allstream certified as Qualified Security Assessor by PCI Security Standards Council

Monday, June 02, 2008; Posted: 03:34 PM

With the recent announcement that it has become a certified Qualified Security Assessor, MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") can now help its business customers comply with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) and help them better address their overall security and networking needs.

PCI DSS is an industry-wide standard developed by the major credit card companies. It requires merchants and service providers who store, process or transmit cardholder data to adopt information security controls and processes to ensure data confidentiality. This comprehensive standard helps protect cardholder data from fraud and identity theft.

As a Qualified Security Assessor, MTS Allstream is certified to help merchants adhere to PCI compliance standards by:

<< - Building and maintaining a secure network with appropriate firewall configurations and system passwords; - Protecting cardholder data through encryption and other robust security measures; - Maintaining a vulnerability-management program by regularly updating anti-virus software and developing secure systems and applications; - Implementing strong access control measures that restrict access to cardholder data to authorized personnel; - Regularly monitoring and testing networks to ensure ongoing compliance; - Maintaining an information security policy to address the broad range of information security issues throughout their organization. >>

"We have one of the largest security consulting practices in Canada with Qualified Security Assessors across the country that have extensive experience performing security assessments, vulnerability scanning, penetration testing and identity and access management in complex, high reliability infrastructures," said John MacDonald, President, Enterprise Solutions division, MTS Allstream. "I am confident that with proven approach, security expertise, and the use of state-of-the-art tools and technology, we can address our customer's PCI requirements and act as a trusted advisor in providing guidance on their security needs."

About MTS Allstream Inc.

MTS Allstream Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., and is one of Canada's leading national communication solutions providers, delivering innovative products and services through the Enterprise Solutions and Consumer Markets divisions. The Enterprise Solutions division, which operates under the Allstream brand nationally and under the MTS brand in Manitoba, is a leading competitor in the national business and wholesale markets. This division offers customers a portfolio of solutions tailored to the needs of medium and large businesses looking for success in a world of rapidly evolving technology - Internet protocol-based communications, unified communications, voice and data connectivity services. The Consumer Markets division leads every telecommunications market segment in Manitoba, delivering a full suite of next generation wireless, high-speed Internet and data, digital television and wireline voice services under the MTS brand, as well as small business services across Canada under the Allstream brand, and security and alarm monitoring services through AAA Alarm Systems Ltd., an affiliate of MTS Allstream which also operates in other western provinces. MTS Allstream's extensive national broadband fibre optic network spans more than 24,300 kilometres, and provides international connections through strategic alliances and interconnection agreements with other international service providers. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.'s common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT). For more information, please visit: www.mtsallstream.com.

SOURCE: MTS Allstream Inc.

Media: Greg Burch, Manager Corporate Communications, (416) 345-3576, (204) 941-8576, media.relations@mtsallstream.com; Investors: Ian Chadsey, Vice-President Investor Relations, (204) 941-8283, investor.relations@mtsallstream.com

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