Sources Say VimpelCom to End Deals with Minor Content Cos

MOSCOW, Mar 28 (Prime-Tass) -- Russia's second largest mobile operator VimpelCom plans to cancel agreements with minor content providers, sources from several content providers said, Vedomosti business daily reported Wednesday.

The news comes several months after VimpelCom's key rival, MTS, also decided to focus on cooperation with only major content providers.

VimpelCom plans to take content for Beeonline, VimpleCom's own content portal, only from major providers, another source said, the daily reported.

Some sources said that VimpelCom planned to continue cooperation with those content providers in which it has various stakes, the daily reported.

VimpelCom's spokespeople declined to comment on the news, the daily said.

According to iKS-Consulting, revenues from sale of content for mobile phones rose 25% on the year in 2006 to U.S. $408 million.

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Posted to the site on 28th March 2007