Far East Telecom’s 2004 target of turning regional multi-service telecom networks into a unified network of data transmission will be achieved in several phases by expanding production capacities of the existing networks, merging the seven multi-service telecom networks into a single network and winning subscribers by rolling out broad-band access systems.

The unified multi-service telecom network will make it possible to set up a corporate network, which will give customers the opportunity to arrange virtual telecommunications channels, hold video conferences and transmit voice mail and data.

According to Far East’s deputy general director in charge of technology Oleg Mamontov, multi-service telecom networks are a great asset for companies having branches or representative offices in every corner of the country. Sberbank of Russia and the Pension Fund were the first to make an order for this kind of system.

Oleg Mamontov pointed out that last year his company already installed separate features of the multi-service telecom networks at its branches, except for the one in the Magadan region. Given that the Magadan City Telecommunications System needs refurbishing, the telecom giant plans to spend Rub 240 mln to complete construction of data transmission networks in the Magadan region by the middle of 2004.

The telecom concern intends to construct the new telecom network in the Madagan region and merge the seven regional networks into one in 2004.

The estimated cost of the project is about Rub 150 mln.