WINNIPEG and CALGARY – MTS is donating $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross – Manitoba Division to support flood relief efforts in Manitoba, while Shaw has opened up its Shaw Go WiFi network to all the communities it serves along the Assiniboine River.
MTS is also waiving temporary disconnect fees for its home phone, Internet and TV customers who have been evacuated from areas where a state of emergency has been declared as a result of recent flooding. Noting that it expects that these customers will rely more on their wireless services at this time, MTS is also offering affected wireless customers credits for usage overages for wireless airtime, long distance calling or text messaging (Canada only) beyond their regular wireless plans for the duration of the evacuation.
MTS added that its province-wide wireless network continues to operate with minimal interruption, though acknowledged that some wireline customers are experiencing service interruptions due to submerged equipment and cables.
"Our hearts go out to those struggling during this difficult time and we will do what can to support Manitobans when they need it," said president Kelvin Shepherd, in a statement. "Over the weekend, the southwestern area of the province was hit particularly hard and the severe weather conditions impacted some of our services. Many of our employees are working day and night to maintain service throughout the province and restore services as quickly as possible in affected areas."
Shaw said that all citizens living in Portage la Prairie, Southport, St. Eustache, Elie and Headingley will be given full, open access to the Shaw Go WiFi network where available, regardless of whether they are Shaw customers or not. A full list of locations is available here or by downloading the Shaw Go WiFi Finder App.
"As flood relief efforts continue today and into the weekend, we are committed to doing whatever we can to help affected residents stay connected," said CEO Brad Shaw. "Open access to the Shaw Go WiFi network will help citizens stay connected with friends and loved ones, and receive the timely and critical updates they need."
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