Starting from 15th July 2006 JSC North-West Telecom is connecting residents of Leningrad Oblast to the Internet using the ADSL technology under the @vangard trademark.

The Leningrad Oblast branch has become the fourth branch of JSC NWT, in whose servicing territory service of access to the internet under the @vangard trademark is introduced to the market.  Residents of St. Petersburg were the first to get the new opportunity of broadband access to the global network in February 2006. In May and June @vangard was put into operation in Pskov and Novgorod Oblasts (see the Press Release dated 13.03.06).

The ADSL technology used for providing the @vangard service makes it possible to organize a high-speed permanent channel of to the Internet via the existing telephone line. The telephone set remains available in this case, while the information transmission speed may reach 8 MB/s.

In Leningrad Oblast the @vangard trademark implies five rate plans, including limitless plans and plans with included traffic. The price of getting connected to the @vangard service under any rate plan is RUR 1000.

One may enter into a contract for receiving the @vant-garde service in all district centers of the region (oblast).  Payment for the service will be effected on the basis of monthly invoices for telecommunications services of JSC North-West Telecom. 

Information on the terms of connection and the rates can be obtained from Client Servicing Centres of the Leningrad Oblast branch of JSC NWT and, round the clock and free of charge, by dialling 433-22 in Gatchina (8-271-433-22 for residents of other districts) or 08.

A special Internet portal of the @vangard trademark (www.avangard-dsl.ru ) provides detailed information about the service. The "Questions and Answers" section contains answers to FAQs. Besides, a preliminary electronic application for getting connected to the Internet may be filed at the portal.  

Taking into account the soaring consumers' demand for broadband access to the Internet, North-West Telecom is planning a further development and introduction of the @vangard service in the entire territory of the Northwestern region.  Development and regional market promotion of new services based on the ADSL technology are planned: digital TV, video/audio on request, etc.