Moscow, Russia – May 21, 2013– Rostelecom OJSC (MICEX - RTS: RTKM, RTKMP; OTCQX: ROSYY) (“the Company”), Russia’s national telecommunications operator, announces the launch of 3G+ networks in Volgograd and Volzhsky through CJSC Volgograd GSM, a 100% subsidiary of Rostelecom. The Company plans to expand its 3G+ networks to all regional centres in the Volgograd region. Rostelecom subscribers will be able to experience faster mobile internet and access modern, interactive services using their smartphones, USB modems and tablets.

Alexander Shipulin, Vice President and Director of Rostelecom’s southern macro-regional branch, commented: “Rostelecom is gradually implementing its 3G network construction programme, and it is now coming to the Volgograd region. The benefits of our 3G+ network for our subscribers in the Volograd region will include high data transfer speeds and a competitive range of tariff plans and options.”

In light of the growing demand for mobile data transfer service, Rostelecom’s 3G+ network was installed using the modern HSPA+ technology. This technology provides data transfer speeds of up to 21MB/s, compared to speeds of just 3.6MB/s provided by the first 3G networks. The Company plans to upgrade its network to reach the maximum speed of up to 42MB/s in the future.

In the long-term, a modern, sustainable, efficient and multi-standard mobile phone network will be created in the Volgograd region, which will combine the advantages of all standards, resulting in high quality voice services and data transfer.

At present, 120 new generation base stations have been installed in the Volgograd region, which provides coverage for Volgograd and Volzhsky. As a result, 3G+ network services are currently available to over 45% of the region’s population.  

3G+ networks have been built and tested in 24 Russian regions and have been commercially launched in 17 regions. In total, the Company is planning to establish more than 8,000 base stations. Ericsson and Huawei are providing technical equipment and solutions for the project. A 3G+ network will be launched in the Krasnodar Krai in summer 2013.

Rostelecom and its subsidiaries, NCC CJSC, BWC CJSC, ETK CJSC, Sky Link CJSC, Volgograd-GSM CJSC, AKOS CJSC and Wireless Information Technologies LLC, provide mobile services in 59 Russian regions to 13.6 million subscribers.