Allstream (an MTS Allstream company) has announced that it is deploying multicast technology on its national Multiprotocol Label Switching ("MPLS") network.

Multicast is a bandwidth-conserving technology that reduces traffic by simultaneously delivering a single stream of information to thousands of users. Allstream’s network reaches more than 90% of Canadian businesses.

This new capability will allow Allstream's business customers to optimize network performance and deploy and scale distributed group applications such as distance learning and videoconferencing.

Multicast applications include:

• Webcast streaming video. Streaming video from single source to many locations
• Push Media. Delivering information such as weather and news to many locations
• Interactive distance training. Instructor-led video based training
• Collaboration.  Shared document editing