On October 11-15 the CEO of North West Telecom Vladimir Akulich visited Japanas part of a delegation of the Governor of Saint Petersburg devoted to the 25^th anniversary of the twin cities Osakaand Saint Petersburg.

Apart from participating in the official celebration proceedings, during his trip to Tokyo Vladimir Akulich signed a contract with NEC Corporation for the delivery of telecom equipment worth RUR 144 mln.

NEC Corporation will deliver SDH equipment to North West Telecom which will be used to build a transportation network in Saint Petersburg.  The timeframe for delivery and assembly of the equipment is year-end 2004.

Construction of the transportation network in Saint Petersburgin 2004-2005 will make it possible to achieve expansion and modernization of its network and meet demand of Saint Petersburginhabitants for advanced telecommunications services and eliminate the waiting line for telephone installation.

NEC Corporation is one the major suppliers of telecommunications equipment for North West Telecom.  The signing of a contract to supply SFH equipment is in line with the technical policy of NWT which aims to create an advanced telecom infrastructure which will allow the operator to cut its expenses, raise quality and increase the volume of services provided.