Mobile operator strategies - 17/12/05

Kyrgyz Court confirmed that Russia's Rezervspetsmet was the rightful owner of Kyrgyzstan's largest mobile operator Bitel, and therefore, the sale of 51% of Bitel to MTS was illegal (see above the announcement). It is a blow to the Russian Altimo group.

MTS continues its purchases with the acquisition of remaining 41,5% in Telesot-Alania (North Ossetia).

2006 Vimpelcom budget has not been approved (see above Telenor/ Vimpelcom fight), forcing management to get board approval for the majority of future decisions. It is another blow to the Russian Altimo group, largest shareholder in Vimpelcom.

Ukrtelecom (Ukraine) has paid $30m for a UMTS/WCDMA 3G standard license.

Orange UK will combine access via WiFi, 3G, and GPRS networks for business customers. It will launch its Business Everywhere solution in January 2006.