New GSM Network Launched in Macedonia

Cosmofon, a company owned 100% by Greece's OTE, has announced in a press conference held in Skopje, Macedonia, the launch of its commercial operations, as the new mobile operator in the country. According to COSMOTE' s strategic design, the main focus areas in 2003 include the fast and efficient network rollout, the dynamic development of Cosmofon's distribution channels and the offering of innovative services at highly competitive prices.

More specifically, in just after a few months under COSMOTE management, Cosmofon's telecommunications network was developed and currently already covers two thirds of the country. With respect to future needs regarding its infrastructure, Cosmofon's Capital Expenditure provides for US$70 million for 2003 and US$105 million for 2004.

The company's distribution policy is threefold: Master Agents, Cosmofon shops & Direct Key Account sales. Cosmofon's products and services are available through 3 Cosmofon owned shops in Skopje, Kumanovo and Tetovo. The total points of sale amount to 113, while Cosmofon vouchers will be available through more than 2,000 points of sale. By the end of the year the total number of Cosmofon owned shops is expected to reach 8.

Cosmofon's contract and prepaid offerings are based on very competitive tariff structures that include among others, per second billing (introduced for the first time in the country), scaled pricing (COSMOTE's successful "the more you talk, the less you pay" concept), low monthly access fee for contract customers, as well as additional services free of charge (voicemail, call waiting, caller identification, etc).

Currently, the company employs 150 people, while their number is expected to reach approximately 250 by the end of 2003. COSMOTE's CEO, Evangelos Martigopoulos, commented: "With the commercial launch of COSMOFON we aim to make mobile telephony accessible to all by implementing our successful customer centric strategy and know-how, already proven in Greece and Albania. Our main goal is to create value and returns for the OTE Group while at same time lead the country's mobile market into a new era"."

Posted to the site on 12th June 2003