VimpelCom to Launch Network in Georgia in Feb 2007

MOSCOW, Nov 30 (Prime-Tass) -- Russia's second largest mobile operator VimpelCom plans to put its network in Georgia into commercial operations in February 2007, VimpelCom's CEO Alexander Izosimov told reporters Thursday.

VimpelCom is currently constructing the network using equipment from France's telecom equipment producer Alcatel, Izosimov said.

In July, VimpelCom bought a 51% stake in Mobitel, which held only a GSM license at that time.

The Georgian mobile market, which has penetration of about 30%, is split between two operators, Geocell and Magti.

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Posted to the site on 30th November 2006