MTS Allstream Inc. ("MTS Allstream") is pleased to announce it has achieved the Master Unified Communications Specialization from Cisco(R). This specialization recognizes MTS Allstream as having fulfilled the training requirements and program prerequisites to sell, deploy and support highly sophisticated applications-based Cisco unified communications solutions.

"It is with great pleasure we announce that MTS Allstream has met all criteria to become Cisco Master Unified Communications Specialized in Canada," said John A. MacDonald, President Enterprise Solutions, MTS Allstream. "By achieving the Master Unified Communications Specialization, we has proven we have the ability to sell, deliver and support complex, value-added Cisco unified communications solutions through our in-depth sales capabilities, technology skills and service offerings. This award offers a significant market differentiation."

"To help turn the promise of unified communications into a strategic advantage, customers are demanding an enhanced set of skills and capabilities from channel partners," said Richard McLeod, director of unified communications for worldwide channels at Cisco. "MTS Allstream's investment in the Master Unified Communications Specialization ranks them among the industry's elite."

To achieve the Master Unified Communications Specialization, resale channel partners must first attain the Advanced Unified Communications Specialization. Partners must then meet stringent requirements that demonstrate their master-level sales, technical and services capabilities. Furthermore, master specialized partners must possess a number of Cisco and industry-standard technical certification requirements, provide customer references that document Cisco-prescribed design and deployment capabilities, and show evidence that they have the infrastructure to support a full menu of lifecycle services offerings and capabilities.

The Cisco Resale Channel Program provides partners with the training required to build sales, technical and Cisco lifecycle services skills, and then validates their skills through a third-party audit. Cisco resale partner certifications-Select, Premier, Silver and Gold-represent an increasing breadth of skills across key technologies and a partner's ability to deliver integrated networking solutions. Cisco resale partner specializations-SMB, Express, Advanced and Master-reflect an increasing depth of sales, technical and service expertise in particular technologies. Cisco master specializations provide MTS Allstream access to comprehensive sales, technical, and lifecycle services training and support available from Cisco.

About MTS Allstream

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 Allstream 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 connectivity, unified communications, IT consulting and security services, and voice and data connectivity services.