On 10th August 2006 the Fitch Ratings international rating agency confirmed JSC North-West Telecom's priority unsupported score in the foreign currency, that had been given before at the B+ level, with the "Stable" forecast. The short-term rating in the foreign currency has been confirmed at the B level. 

The fact that the above scores have been assigned reflects Fitch Ratings' opinion that:

• JSC North-West Telecom is occupying the dominating positions in the market of communication services in the Northwestern Federal District.
• Thanks to the network upgrading, the range of services provided has been significantly expanded.
• The net debt to EBITDA ratio for the year has been 1.5, which is one of the lowest in the industry.

Besides, experts of the rating agency have noted that North-West Telecom has the highest figures of operation efficiency among the interregional companies, which allows the company to save on personnel expenditures and to maintain its profitability.