Moscow, Russian Federation – Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” – NYSE: MBT), the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, announces the launch of 3G networks in Novosibirsk, Norilsk and Vladivostok. MTS becomes the first mobile operator to bring 3G to Siberia and the Russian Far East.
MTS launched the first pan-regional 3G network in Russia in May 2008 in St. Petersburg followed by Sochi, Yekaterinburg and Kazan. In August 2008, MTS expanded its 3G network to Nizhniy Novgorod. In September 2008, the Company brought next-generation networks to Novosibirsk and Norilsk, the two large industrial centers in Siberia, and Vladivostok, the largest city in the Russian Far East.
The Company intends to launch 3G networks in at least 14 cities during 2008 and in up to 40 cities in Russia through 2009. MTS also holds 3G licenses in Uzbekistan and Armenia, where the networks are scheduled for launch in 2009.
Development of the 3G network is a cornerstone of MTS’ strategy to provide mobile broadband in the CIS. With relatively low levels of fixed-line penetration and historic underinvestment in infrastructure throughout the its markets of operation, MTS views its networks as an ideal vehicle to meet the growing broadband Internet needs of its subscribers through attractive data products and services.
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