Bell MTS

Bell MTS Inc. is a Canadian telecommunications company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The company used to be called Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS), but it was purchased by Bell Canada in spring 2017, causing the name to change to Bell MTS.

History

In 1959, MTS (then known as Manitoba Telephone Systems) introduced the 9-9-9 emergency number in Canada.

Advertising

In 1999, MTS created their mascot; a bison named Morty. Morty would continue to serve as MTS’ mascot until he was retired in 2008. Morty was brought back in 2011 and redesigned as an animated character. This version of Morty was nicknamed “Morty 2.0”. Morty 2.0 was retired in 2016 as MTS was focusing on a more personalized marketing approach. MTS continued using this approach until they were acquired by Bell in 2017.

References

1. ↑ "MTS sale to Bell has some Manitobans worried about price hikes". CBC News. Retrieved 2 May 2016.
2. ↑ Blackwell, Richard (2 May 2016). "Manitoba's reign of lower wireless prices may be over following Bell, MTS deal". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
3. ↑ "Winnipeg - Pioneer in 999". IAED Journal. Retrieved 2026-07-26.
4. ↑ Staff, Strategy. "CASSIES Silver: MTS rolls out Morty 2.0". Retrieved 2026-02-23.
5. ↑ "Mar 2016: MTS gives its spokes-bison a rest as it heads in a more personal marketing direction". Winnipeg Free Press. 2016-03-12. Retrieved 2026-02-23.