MTS and Samsung Build the first LTE network in Northwest region of Russia

OJSC “Mobile TeleSystems” (MTS – NYSE: MBT), the leading telecommunications operator in Russia and the CIS, and Samsung Electronics announced completion of the first stage of MTS LTE network in Russia’s Pskov region and the beginning of the testing of 4G network services.

By the end of 2013, 4G mobile Internet with data transfer rates up to 75 Mbit/s will be available to residents of the following cities: Pskov, Velikie Luki, Ostrov, Nevel, Opochka, Novosokolniki, Pustoshka and a number of other population centers of Pskov region. New network will operate in LTE FDD standard and will provide high-speed Internet access for users of smartphones, tablets and modems from the leading vendors.

The LTE FDD network rollout in Russia’s Northwest Federal District is a part of the three-year agreement signed between MTS and Samsung in 2013. During the 2013-2014 MTS 4G networks will be rolled out in Saint-Petersburg, Leningrad, Arkhangelsk regions and the Komi Republic. Currently, MTS’ own LTE networks operate in Moscow, Tambov regions and the Udmurt Republic.