VIVACELL-MTS ANNOUNCES THE COMMERCIAL LAUNCH OF 3G NETWORK IN ARMENIA, PROVIDING STATE OF THE ART MOBILE BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY
ArmInfo
2009-04-17 20:03:00
VivaCell-MTS, a subsidiary of Mobile TeleSystems OJSC ("MTS" –
NYSE: MBT), announces the commercial launch of its state of the art
3G network.
The press service of VivaCell-MTS reports that first 3G network
segments are already deployed in Yerevan, capital of Armenia, Guymri
and Vanadzor cities, with the intention of expanding the coverage
further during this year.
VivaCell-MTS 3G network is Armenia’s first 3G rollout based on
UMTS/HSPA (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System / High Speed
Packet Access) technology and a defining moment for the Armenian
population. This will open up new opportunities for the business and
everyday life in the country.
In the 3G network, VivaCell-MTS subscribers will be able to use all
services currently available in VivaCell-MTS 2.5 G network, as well
as benefit from such innovative services as Videocall and high-speed
mobile internet. In Armenia converged 2G/3.5G network was built using
existing sites for mobile masts without termination or significant
reconfiguration of GSM, a 2nd generation network.
"We are proud to be the first to launch a 3G network in Armenia based
on UMTS/HSPA. Our new 3G services are launched in three largest cities
of the country. Given the insufficient penetration level of Internet in
Armenia, VivaCell-MTS views its 3G network as an ideal vehicle to meet
the growing broadband Internet needs of its subscribers. In the future,
we plan further development of our 3G network, with the intention of
expanding the 3G coverage, increasing the functionality of existing
products and services as well as bringing the most innovative mobile
products and services to our subscribers," said VivaCell-MTS General
Manager Ralph Yirikian."
"Today the launch of 3G marks a new era in the sphere of mobile
communications of Armenia. Subscribers of MTS in Russia and Uzbekistan
already enjoy all the benefits offered by 3G, and now the advanced
solutions enabled by the innovative 3G network are also made available
to subscribers of VivaCell-MTS. We are sure that the new technologies
will provide an additional stimulus to the further development of
mobile communication in Armenia, and will result in more convenience
and value of services for mobile communication," – noted the Vise
President of OJSC MTS Oleg Raspopov.
VivaCell-MTS (K-Telecom CJSC) is the leading Armenian mobile operator,
providing a wide range of Voice and Data services. Since its launch
on 1st July 2005, in a short period of time VivaCell-MTS has managed
to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base.
VivaCell-MTS drives the development and offering of innovative mobile
communications products, services and features in the Armenian mobile
communications market. For more information, visit
Mobile TeleSystems OJSC ("MTS") is the largest mobile phone operator
in Russia and the CIS. Together with its subsidiaries, the Company
services over 91.77 million subscribers. The regions of Russia, as
well as Armenia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, in
which MTS and its associates and subsidiaries are licensed to provide
GSM services, have a total population of more than 230 million. Since
June 2000, MTS’ Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (ticker symbol MBT).