Company History

The 1990’s

1993:

• MTS receives first license to provide mobile phone services using the GSM standard

1994:

• MTS begins offering mobile phone services in Moscow and the surrounding region

1997:

• MTS expands operations into Russian regions

The 2000’s

2000:

• Initial Public Offering (IPO) of MTS securities on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

2002:

• MTS introduces pre-paid Jeans brand and begins expansion into neighboring CIS countries through joint venture in Belarus

2003:

• MTS acquires UMC, a leading mobile phone operator in Ukraine

2004:

• MTS receives additional licenses in Russia to extend its license coverage to include all but two regions of the country
• MTS enters Uzbekistan through the acquisition of Uzdunrobita, the country’s largest mobile phone operator

2005:

• MTS enters Turkmenistan by acquiring Barash Communication Technologies, Inc. (BCTI), the leading telecommunications operator in the country

2006:

• MTS appoints new CEO and CFO
• MTS launches new brand identity
• MTS adopts 3+1 Strategy
• MTS creates Group organizational structure

2007:

• MTS launches 3+2 Strategy
• MTS enters Armenia through acquisition of leading operator, K-Telekom (VivaCell)
• Allocation of 3G licenses in Russia, Uzbekistan and Armenia
• Countrywide rebranding of operations in Ukraine
• Launch of mobile broadband in Ukraine

2008:

• Mikhail Shamolin appointed as President & CEO
• MTS named as one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Brands
• MTS launches 3G networks in Russia and Uzbekistan
• MTS signs strategic partnership with Vodafone