Russia's MTS to Promote Nokia Phones in Own Retail Stores

Nokia has signed a deal with Russian mobile network operator, Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) to sell Nokia phones in MTS' retail network. The first joint project of the two companies will be the priority sales launch of Nokia N97, Nokia's flagship mobile computer, equipped with exclusive software from MTS.

The agreement signed by MTS and Nokia provides for the direct supply of Nokia products to MTS' retail network, joint marketing campaigns to promote Nokia's handsets and a special training program for MTS' retail employees.

MTS recently acquired the mobile phone retail chains, Eldorado Centr and Eldorado Communications Store, who operate 383 stores in 153 cities.

"This partnership agreement with Nokia is a milestone in our development of the MTS proprietary retail network. Teaming up with the world's leading maker of mobile devices will allow us to further differentiate MTS' retail network by matching cutting-edge products with tariff plans to enhance customer experience and spur the growth of data usage by our subscribers," noted Mr. Mikhail Shamolin, President and CEO of MTS.

MTS has developed a number of branded applications for Nokia N97 aimed at business users that will be distributed on a free 2 GB micro-SD memory card. The sales of Nokia N97 will start on June 17 in all MTS stores in Moscow and in the flagship Nokia store. By the end of the month, the device will become available to subscribers of all mobile operators through the MTS retail network in Russia and the 30 Nokia stores in the largest Russian cities.

Posted to the site on 5th June 2009