MTS is the first mobile operator in Udmurtia to offer digital GSM services and the third to have entered the local market. The service provider, Udmurtia Digital Networks CJSC has a GSM 900 license to provide mobile telephony services in the Republic of Udmurtia. It is owned by MTS and UdmurtTelecom OJSC, Udmurtia’s main telecommunications operator. In line with its partnership agreement, in addition to financing the launch of the MTS Udmurtia network, MTS also manages all technical issues, including feasibility studies and supply agreements. All the work was carried out in close co-operation with UdmurtTelecom OJSC, which facilitated the rapid launch of the first phase of the network.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Mikhail Smirnov, President and Director of MTS said: “Udmurtia’s geographical position in the Western part of Central Urals has determined the development of mechanical engineering enterprises, large numbers of which are situated in Izhevsk. The region has highly skilled human resources and a developed communications infrastructure. These conditions are favourable to developing MTS’s presence in Udmurtia.

“Udmurtia’s recent economic growth has resulted in a greater demand for all telephony services. At the same time the region is becoming more and more attractive for Western businesses which means increased demand for roaming, especially for business people coming from Germany, Greece and the USA. We’ve got all reason to believe that we will be successful in this region,” Mr Smirnov said.

The whole MTS network in Udmurtia uses equipment provided by Siemens, which was selected as a supplier on the basis of a tender. The first equipment was delivered in June 2000. Network construction began at the same time.

During the first stage, eight base stations were installed in the town of Izhevsk and two more in Udmurtia’s industrial centres in the towns of Votkinsk and Sarapul. The installation of base stations means practically full MTS cellular coverage in these towns.

Udmurtia’s inhabitants will have immediate access to a wide range of MTS services, including national and international roaming in over 350 Russian towns and 83 countries of the world; voice mail; SMS (short messaging system); call divert; and, number identification services. MTS Udmurtia will also benefit from being part of MTS unified tariff policy.

In November 2000 MTS opens their first complex service centre in Izhevsk, the customers will be able to subscribe to the network, change service package and pay their bills there.

During the next phase, eight more base stations will become operational that cover Udmurtia’s larger towns and settlements, situated along motorways which connect the republic with its neighbouring regions to the South and North.

“We have built yet another network which will be integrated into the overall MTS network structure. Nevertheless, it is a separate project which has been implemented from start to finish,” Mr Smirnov added.

“The significance of this project for MTS is our technical ability to build a network, so far removed from our own operating networks. This allows us to confidently plan further regional expansion and become a truly pan-national operator”.