MTS Launches 3G Network in St Petersburg

Russia's Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has announced the commercial launch of its 3G/HSPA network in Saint Petersburg and technical readiness of 3G networks for commercial launch in Sochi, Yekaterinburg and Kazan. The Company plans to launch additional 3G networks in over 10 cities during 2008 and in up to 40 cities in Russia through 2009.

MTS also holds 3G licenses in Uzbekistan and Armenia, where the network will be launched as early as 2009. The company said that it plans to invest around 38 billion roubles (US$1.6 billion_ in 3G network development over the next three years in Russia and the CIS.

"With the launch of 3G networks in major regions of Russia, MTS is starting a new phase in the development of telecommunications in the CIS. We are keen to offer 3G services to our customers, as we see great demand for data and broadband solutions in Russia," noted Mr. Mikhail Shamolin, CEO of MTS Russia.

Mr. Shamolin continued: "We believe that conditions for the 3G launch in Russia are more favourable than in the developed markets. TodayĆ's HSPA-enabled infrastructure allows download speeds up to 10 times faster than the first phase of 3G networks, while the costs for equipment and devices are significantly cheaper. We have access to best-practice implementation from around the world and our 3G network benefits from higher-quality and more advanced mobile services and devices."

MTS also operates a CDMA-450 network in Ukraine.

Posted to the site on 28th May 2008