3G network in Moscow, as of January 15, 2010.
At the end of December 2009, we launched our commercial 3G network in Moscow, complementing our existing coverage in the Moscow region and throughout Russia. At the time of launch, our network consisted of 197 base stations, which allowed us to offer extensive coverage within the MKAD (the so-called beltway, or highway, that surrounds Moscow) to a population of over 10 million. By the end of January, we will have installed up to 300 base stations to serve Russia's capital. For the latest network map,
click here.
We estimate that data traffic has already increased 2-3 times in areas where both 2G and 3G networks are available, compared to the traffic prior to the launch of 3G. Currently, we have a variety of special tariffs for 3G users, including
unlimited ones.
The network was launched after MTS received permission from the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Communication (
Roskomnadzor) to install up to 783 UMTS base stations on the streets of Moscow. Earlier, the company received permission to launch 3G in
the Moscow Metro and in the largest business and shopping centers in the city.