Government Takes a Smart Approach to Regulation

WINNIPEG - MTS Allstream Inc. welcomes an announcement by the Federal Government that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC") should consider the views of the public when it comes to the issue of Fee-For-Carriage, which would see service providers pay broadcasters a fee to provide customers with television signals that are currently available free of charge over the airwaves.

"We are pleased the Federal Government recognizes that customers need to fully understand what impact Fee-For-Carriage, which would see service providers pay broadcasters a fee to provide local television signals that are available free of charge today, will have on the general public," said Chris Peirce, Chief Corporate Officer, MTS Allstream. "It is important for the Government to remind the CRTC not to lose sight of the impacts that changes to the regulatory framework ultimately have on customers, and we congratulate the government for ensuring the views of the general public, who could face price increases as a consequence of any decision to impose Fee-For-Carriage, be heard."

Earlier this week MTS Allstream filed a submission to the CRTC opposing Fee-For-Carriage and pointing out that service providers and the Canadian public already contribute over $1 billion annually - much of which benefits the broadcasters - to the Canadian broadcasting system.