Manitoba Telecom Services, Inc. announced that it has completed its 4G LTE wireless network expansion to Grand Beach and Victoria Beach, two of six communities that will receive MTS's 4G LTE Wireless service in 2013. Residents and vacationers in these regions can now experience faster-than-ever download and upload speeds on the latest LTE-enabled wireless devices. Long Term Evolution (LTE) is recognized as the gold standard in wireless technologies and provides superior performance while surfing the Internet, downloading content, and streaming videos and music. MTS's 4G LTE Wireless Network supports average user speeds that are up to five times faster than MTS's 4G HSPA+ Wireless Network. MTS customers can experience the full speed capabilities LTE offers on some of the latest LTE-enabled devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 (TM), BlackBerry (R) Z10, and Sony Xperia(TM) ZL. MTS was the first to bring 4G LTE wireless services to Winnipeg and Brandon in 2012. Earlier this month, MTS announced plans to expand its 4G LTE wireless network to six more communities in 2013, including Selkirk, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, Ste. Anne, Grand Beach and Victoria Beach. MTS customers traveling outside of the 4G LTE wireless network coverage areas will transfer from 4G LTE to MTS's 4G HSPA+ Wireless Network, which covers 97% of the Manitoba population.

Manitoba Telecom Services, Inc. (TSX:MBT) is continuing with its process to sell MTS Allstream, Inc. Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Blouin, said, "We will not be providing any update until there is something definitive to say." Blouin also said that the strategic review of Allstream could take as much as a year. There is plenty of talk saying a deal is imminent -- and the price has been coming down -- but there is no information to announce.

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the period the company reported revenue was $406.7 million compared to $435.1 million in the same period last year. EBITDA was $148.6 million compared to $147.9 million in the same period last year. Income before income taxes was $43.0 million compared to $48.8 million in the same period last year. Net income for the period was $30.9 million compared to $45.4 million in the same period last year. EPS was $0.46 compared to $0.69 in the same period last year. Free cash flow was $47.6 million compared to $36.1 million in the same period last year. Capital expenditure was $66.7 million compared to $76.9 million in the same period last year. Cash flows from operating activities was $1.7 million compared to $77.3 million in the same period last year. Total MTS operating revenues were $243.5 million compared to $243.7 million in the same period last year. Total Allstream operating revenues were $171.7 million compared to $200.2 million in the same period last year. Revenues were down 6.5% in first quarter 2013, due to MTS wireless wholesale and Allstream legacy revenue declines, including $14.1 million in planned legacy reductions at Allstream, partly offset by solid revenue growth from strategic lines of business. The second half of the year should bring an improved operating performance, in particular for Allstream as the quarter four 2012 sales are generating stronger IP revenue growth.