Moscow, Russian Federation – Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” – NYSE: MBT), the leading telecommunications provider in Russia and the CIS, announces the commercial launch of a 4G network based on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in Uzbekistan – the first fully operational 4G network in the CIS and Central Asia.

The 4G network is currently deployed in the central part of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, with the Company planning to significantly expand network coverage in the coming periods. The technology enables MTS subscribers to enjoy data transfer rates of up to 100 Mbps using LTE-enabled modems.

"The development of our networks is a key driver for growth, particularly in a region with relatively low-fixed line broadband penetration. By bringing LTE to the market, we can offer both our business and individual customers the fastest, most reliable broadband access in the region. The introduction of LTE in Uzbekistan will also allow MTS to gain valuable insight from this unique experience and eventually apply it to other markets of operation in the future," commented Mr. Îleg Raspopov, Vice President and Head of Business Unit MTS Foreign Subsidiaries.

The network is deployed in the 2.5-2.7 GHz frequency range following receipt of the license by MTS Uzbekistan in October 2009. The equipment for the 4G network was supplied by Huawei, a leader in providing next-generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world.