Russian operator MTS has partnered with Vodafone to deploy 3G and begin offering new services in Ukraine.
The firms have stated that they will “expand the scope” of their partner market agreement in the country, with 3G services due to launch in the next few months under the Vodafone brand. The partnership will also “include the transition of MTS’s retail outlets and the majority of its dealerships”.
Vodafone will provide expertise on running and optimising MTS’s network, as well as deploying 3G services such as long-distance international calling, games, music and roaming.
Stefano Gastaut, Vodafone’s partner markets chief executive, said that MTS Ukraine was “building a high quality 3G network, which means Vodafone will launch in a strong position in the market.” He noted that the group’s priority was “a successful launch of 3G data services and greater adoption of the mobile internet.”
The companies originally signed a partner market agreement in 2008 and have cooperated ever since. The Vodafone brand will not be used in areas of Ukraine that are outside the control of the Ukrainian government.
