Microsoft at the Heart of the Next-Generation High-Speed Internet and TV Services

Enhanced broadband Internet and TV services go through Microsoft, Alcatel-Lucent and MTS Allstream, as far as Canadian customers are concerned. Microsoft announced that its technology will be integrated into MTS Allstream's new initiative addressed at the Canadian market revolving around next-generation high-speed Internet and TV services. In this context, Manitoba customers will be able to enjoy broadband Internet and TV services delivered via an infrastructure constructed out of Alcatel-Lucent solutions and the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV and multimedia platform.

"As the television becomes connected to the broadband network and powerful software is added, new connected TV experiences become possible, so people can connect with their favorite content, services, devices and people. Together with Alcatel-Lucent and Microsoft, MTS Allstream is very well positioned to offer a way for its customers to experience the next generation of television, featuring entirely new connected TV services," revealed Christine Heckart, general manager of marketing for Microsoft TV at Microsoft.

MTS Allstream, Microsoft and Alcatel-Lucent have already inked preliminary agreements designed to permit the Canadian telecommunications company to debut the initial stage of the new service by the end of 2008. On top of broadband Internet, the new service will offer consumers high-definition TV (HDTV) content and personal and digital video recorder capabilities via Mediaroom. Kelvin Shepherd, president, Consumer Markets Division, MTS Allstream indicated that in the coming years, his company plans to add Mediaroom to its existing digital TV platform.

"As the world leader in both IPTV and Mobile TV deployment, we are bringing our real-world experience and knowledge to help MTS Allstream move to the next generation of information, communications and entertainment experiences for their customers. We also support MTS Allstream's time-to-market objectives by implementing a secure and reliable infrastructure capable of delivering high-end multimedia services," added Alex Giosa, president of Alcatel-Lucent Canada.