Russia's VimpelCom has announced the launch of its network in Cambodia under its Beeline consumer brand. The network has been built by VimpelCom's majority owned local subsidiary, Sotelco.
"The commercial launch in Cambodia is the first launch by a Russian mobile operator under its own brand outside of Russia and the CIS. The Cambodian launch is an important stage in VimpelCom's international development", - said Vladimir Riabokon, Executive Vice President of VimpelCom.
During the first stage Beeline services will be available in the 11 largest provinces of the Kingdom of Cambodia with 37% of the country's population. By the end of 2009, the company plans to provide coverage to an area with more than two thirds of the country's population.
In July 2008 VimpelCom acquired a 90% stake in the Cambodian company Sotelco, which holds a GSM 900/1800 license, for US$28 million. The remaining 10% of Atlas will stay with a local partner, a Cambodian entrepreneur. VimpelCom has also acquired a call option to purchase the 10% interest of the local partner for market value at the date of exercise of the option.
Statistics from the Mobile World database shows the Cambodia ended last year with an estimated 3.77 million mobile phone subscribers, representing a population penetration level of 26%. The country has seven active network operators, along with two seemingly dormant license holders.
On the web: Beeline Cambodia - Mobile World
Posted to the site on 18th May 2009
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/37526.php