Belarus' Mobile Operator MDC Sees 2007 Investments at $140 Mln

MOSCOW, Jan 9 (Prime-Tass) -- Belarusian mobile phone operator Mobile Digital Communications (MDC) plans to invest US$140 million in development in 2007, said Ead Samawi, chairman of the company's executive board, as quoted in a statement by MDC's press office obtained by Prime-Tass Tuesday.

The company, which operates under its Velcom brand, said earlier that it planned to invest $100 million in development in 2006.

In 2007, MDC plans to increase the number capacity of its network, to install over 700 base stations, and to develop and introduce new technologies and services, Samawi said.

By the end of this year MDC plans to increase its network coverage to 82% of Belarus? territory, where 95% of the population resides, Samawi said. As of late 2006 the company's network covered over 75% of the country's territory, where 92.5% of the population resides.

In 2006, MDC's user base increased 37.9% to 2.6 million subscribers as of December 31.

MDC was founded in August 1998. MDC?s charter capital is divided between Cyprus? SB Telecom with 49%, Belarusian state-controlled fixed-line monopoly Beltelecom with 31% and Belarusian arms and weapons exporter Beltekhexport with 20%.

End"

Posted to the site on 9th January 2007