Our worldwide markets and mobile operators
Highlights from our mobile operators and the markets in which we operate.
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Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
Telenor has been a long-term investor in Russia since 1992, contributing with capital, knowledge, technology and value creation in the Russian telecom sector. Telenor holds a 33.6 per cent economic and a 29.9 per cent voting ownership share of VimpelCom. The telecommunications company operates under the "Beeline" brand in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia and Armenia. In February 2008 VimpelCom completed a merger with Golden Telecom, a leading facility-based provider of integrated telecommunications and Internet services in Russia and CIS.
VimpelCom is the second largest mobile operator in Russia, reaching 52.3 million subscribers in Quarter 1 2008. In 2007 revenues exceeded USD 7 billion and grew at a rate of 47 per cent! The financial success of Vimpelcom is remarkable, as is the potential for expansion into adjacent geographical areas and businesses.
The headquarters of VimpelCom are located in Moscow.
Network and licences
VimpelCom operates a GSM 900/1800 network, as well as several small Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) networks, that target both the business and consumer segments. In April 2007 VimpelCom obtained a 3G license for the whole territory of the Russian federation and is currently rolling out a 3G network in several big cities. VimpelCom's network covers a vast territory of about 250 million people, representing 97 per cent of Russia's population as well as the entire territories of Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia and Armenia.
Vimpelcom has third generation technology (3G) licences for Russia, Uzbekistan and Armenia.
Services and innovation
VimpelCom provides voice and data servicing, covered through a range of wireless, fixed and broadband technologies. VimpelCom's strategy is to expand, economically, geographically and technologically. This involves:
- Developing 3G infrastructures and broadband services
- Expanding operations in the CIS states and other selected countries
- Exploring new technologies and business models
- Shifting the focus from speed to efficiency and cost efficiency, as markets mature
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