Russian Mobile Phone Users Up Record 8.3 Mln In Dec

MOSCOW (Dow Jones)--The number of Russian mobile phone subscribers rose in December by a record 8.3 million to 73.86 million, according to a consultant's Advanced Communications & Media report released Wednesday.

This compares with a 3.8 million rise to 65.59 million in November, which was also a record high.

AC&M attributed the sharp rise to aggressive marketing around Christmas and New Year.

Penetration in Russia's largest and richest market, Moscow, reached 99.2% from 92.1% a month earlier.

The two largest operators, OAO Vimpel Communications (VIP) and OAO Mobile TeleSystems (MBT), contributed to the record growth with aggressive marketing. At the same time, smaller regional operators also showed a higher than usual monthly user rise due to pre-Christmas marketing. "

Posted to the site on 12th January 2005