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  • Russian MVNO "PROSTO dlya obscheniya" exceeded 350,000 subscribers- MVNO «PROSTO dlya obscheniya» («Simply for communication») has announced that it has signed up more than 350,000 subscribers. Promotion campaign and pricing down of data plans have significantly improved the sales figures, - the company hopes to sign up half a million subscribers by the end of this year. In august the number of MVNO subscribers reached 260,000 users.
  • MegaFon launched 3G in Chechnya - MegaFon Caucasian branch has announced the launch of 3G network in Chechnya Republic. The carrier invested about 500 million rubles (17 million dollars) in building the network. Now 116 3G base stations operate in the republic, - altogether they provide high quality radio coverage on large scale. New 3G services will be available for all subscribers in 3G coverage area with UMTS handsets or special USB-modem.
  • Colibria Interconnects MTS Mobile Instant Messaging with Megafon and Beeline- Colibria, in partnership with Acision, the world's leading messaging company, today announced that it has enabled Russia's largest operator, MTS, , to interconnect its 'Chat' Mobile Instant Messenger (MIM) service with MegaFon and VimpelCom (which operates under the Beeline trademark). This allows subscribers of the three operators to seamlessly exchange messages across their respective services. The new service, which will be jointly branded as 'Chat' across all three networks, builds on year-on-year growth in messaging for MTS since 2008. This trend is expected to continue by the expansion of messaging access across Russian subscriber communities.
  • Unlimited mobile internet with Opera Mini and MegaFon for 22 cents a day- Russian cellular carrier MegaFon has launched bundled service В«Unlimited Internet with Opera MiniВ» for its subscribers in Moscow. Now MegaFon network users signed up to the package can view websites all day and night without any data transfer limits for only 0.22 dollars (7 Russian rubles) a day. To use the new opportunity subscribers have to install Opera Mini mobile browser on their mobile phone and sign up to bundled services вЂ?Unlimited Internet with Opera Mini'.
  • MegaFon Sees 11% Drop in Q2 Profits on Currency Losses- Russia's smallest of the big three dominant operators, MegaFon has reported a 10.8% drop in second quarter profits, which it put down mainly to currency changes. The company reported a quarterly profit of RUB 9 billion (US$284.8 million), while revenues rose by 3.4 percent to RUB 43.9 billion (US$1.4 billion). Sergey Soldatenkov, Chief Executive Officer of MegaFon, said: "We had a very good overall performance in the six months ended June 30, 2009, showing growth in financial indicators versus the corresponding period in the previous "pre-crisis" year. The first quarter of 2009 was not easy, our subscribers reduced their monthly usage and spending, and new subscriber additions slowed, but we were able to offset this by pursuing a conservative approach to costs and by efficient business management. As a result, by the end of the current period we managed to reverse the negative trends which were evident at the beginning of this year and were able, through effective marketing initiatives in the second quarter of 2009, to realize improved MOU and ARPU".
  • Russian mobile VAS market reached 55 bln rubles ($1.681 bln) in 1H09- J'son & Partners Consulting presents the key results of conducted research includes analysis of current situation and regions (America, Europe and Asia), a detailed review of mobile the further market development. The research contains the analysis of such mobile VAS as SMS, transfer, mobile commerce, mobile marketing and mobile TV. Size and structure of Russian mobile VAS market

    J'son & Partners Consulting estimates the volume of the mobile VAS market in Russia at 94 bln RUR (3.8 bln USD) in 2008, and at 55 bln RUR ($1.681 bln; at average currency rate 32,71 rubles per 1 US dollar) in the 1st half of 2009.

  • Megafon Denies Receiving Iran's 3rd Mobile License- Further confusion over Iran's 3rd mobile license after Russia's MegaFon denied earlier reports that it had been awarded the contract. Although the company has previously suggested it would be interested in a license in the country, it is now saying that it has lost all such interest. The Iranian TV channel, Press TV reported earlier this week that Megafon had been granted a license to build a mobile phone network in the country. "MegaFon does not plan to enter the market of Iran," said Peter Lidov, PR Director of MegaFon. "We monitor opportunities to enter promising markets outside Russia but Iran is not among them", he added.
  • Fitch Changes Megafon's Outlook to Positive- Fitch Ratings has changed the Outlooks on Russian mobile network operator, MegaFon's Long-term Issuer Default rating (IDR) and National Long-term rating to Positive from Stable. The change reflects Fitch's expectations that Megafon shareholders will ultimately be able to put in place a sustainable dividend policy that will be consistent with the company's creditworthiness. At the same time, Fitch has affirmed the Long-term IDR and senior unsecured rating at 'BB+', the Short-term IDR at 'B' and National Long-term rating at 'AA(rus)'. MegaFon's US$375m eurobond due in December 2009, which is guaranteed by Megafon, is affirmed at 'BB+'.
  • Russian mobile VAS market reached $856.2 mln in 1Q09- As estimated by consulting company AC&M Consulting, gross revenue of Russian mobile value added services market in the first quarter 2009 reached 856.2 million US dollars (29041.7 million roubles). In the fourth quarter 2008 revenue was 994.9 mln dollars (27124.7 mln. roubles). In roubles the revenue grew since 4Q08 by 7.1%, but in dollars it decreased in 1Q09 by 13.9%. Mobile VAS ARPU in the fourth quarter fell to 1.5 dollars from 1.8 dollars in 4Q08. In roubles ARPU grew by 6.7% from 47.9 roubles in 4Q08 to 51.1 roubles in 1Q09. Mobile VAS share in the general revenue of operators in 1Q09 increased up to 17.7% from 15.1% in 4Q08.
  • Research and Markets forecasts the future of Russian cellular market- Research and Markets has announced the addition of IE Market Research Corp.'s new report "2Q09 Russia Mobile Operator Forecast, 2008 - 2013" to their offering. Total subscribers in Russia to reach 201.8 million in 2013 with MTS losing market share to Vimpelcom and Megafon over the next five years Mobile Operator Forecast on Russia provides over 65 operational and financial metrics for Russia's wireless market and is one of the best forecasts in the industry. We provide six-year forecasts at the operator level going out to 2013. We also provide quarterly historical and forecast data starting in 1Q2003 and ending in 4Q2013. Operators covered for Russia include: MTS, VimpelCom, and MegaFon. Our Mobile Operator Forecasts are updated quarterly and are available for one-time delivery or through regular updates.
  • Largest Russian carriers offer IM-service «Chat» - the first joint product of «the great three»- VimpelCom (which operates under the Beeline trademark), MTS, the largest cellular network operator in Russia and CIS and MegaFon have announced the launch of their joint service «Chat» in all regions of Russia. The service allows subscribers of «the three great» with almost any handset model to send and receive instant text messages unlimitedly. Incoming messages appear in the application window in a dialogue mode, so users can track the history of conversation and feel more comfortable while communicating. Subscribers can also use special icons (emoticons) and manage their status in the chat that allows invite those who are free for chat, and leave alone those who are busy.
  • Mobile internet in Russia increased to 1 billion dollars and 31.2 mln users in 2008- ComNews Research has published a report about Russian mobile internet market in 2008 and has made its forecasts for 2009. In 2008, mobile internet (data services) was one of the most fast-growing value-added services segment for Russian mobile network operators. This growth was stimulated by further deployment of 3G networks, increase in the number of mobile internet users and consumed data. After economic conditions began crumbling, mobile web has become the most important countermeasure to ARPU decrease. The main results of Russian mobile internet market in 2008 are as follows:
  • Revenue grew by 87% and reached 25.4 billion rubles (1.02$ bln. - yearly average exchange rate is 24,88 rubles per 1$)
  • Number of users increased by 45% to 31.2 million subscribers
  • Traffic consumption volume grew by 2.2 times up to 5.8 PByte
  • Internet ARPU (active users) increased by 24% and reached 80 rubles
  • MbOU (active users) grew by 48% to 20 MB
  • J'son & Partners: 190.4 mln registered SIM cards in Russia as of February 2009- J'son & Partners reports that in February 2009 the number of registered SIM cards in Russia reached 190.4 million. Penetration rate in Russia increased to 134%, in Moscow region – to 185%. Compound subscribers base increased by 1.1 million (0.56%) in February 2009. During February 2009 monthly subscribers base growth decreased by 44% since February 2008. During last 12 months compound user base of Russian operators increased by 23.9 mln. subscribers, or 14%. In March 1, 2009 MegaFon took the first place in growth figures – its subscriber base grew by 7 mln. VimpelCom (which operates under the Beeline trademark) got the second position, adding 6.6 new subscribers. The third place went to MTS with 6.4 new subscribers.
  • ComNews Research: 3G Traffic on the Rise in Russia- ComNews Research published a report about the development of 3G networks in Russia. Deployment of UMTS networks by three largest Russian operators in 2008 has become a catalyst of 3G traffic growth in Russia. In 4Q it increased by 62% sequentially. During first four months of operation new networks captured 20% market share from the first Russian 3G-operator Sky Link (CDMA2000). Most of 3G traffic in Russia is still generated by CDMA2000 networks. However, if UMTS networks growth keeps its current rate the three largest Russian operators will dominate in Russian mobile broadband market in half a year.
  • MegaFon to launch 3G network in Sochi on February 6- MegaFon North Caucasus announces commercial launch of 3G network in Sochi on February 6 2009. Sochi is the largest resort region in Russia stretching for 147 km along the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar region and includes the Krasnaya Polyana mountain resort area. In 2014 Sochi will be the host of XXII Olympic Winter Games. Sergey Kharchenko, deputy director general of MegaFon North Caucasus, says: «Since January 2008 3G network was operated in Sochi in trial mode. The first test was successfully carried out during international space bridge Krasnaya Polyana – Courchevel. Afterwards, 3G test zones were deployed on the territory of the ski resort and in so called В«Big SochiВ» (municipal region around the Sochi which territory 3,5 times bigger than the city).»
  • TOP-20 Russian content-providers for the year 2008 - Megafon's Rating- MegaFon, one of the three largest mobile network operators in Russia, published the rating of content-providers for the year 2008. TOP-5 content-providers are: Incore, A1, i-Free, INFON (Zed Russia), Shamrock Games (part of Next Media Group). 1. Incore 2. A1 3. i-Free 4. INFON (Zed Russia) 5. Shamrock Games (part of Next Media Group) 6. Plastic Media 7. Iricom 8. Forte-IT 9. Karolina Technology 10. Telemarket
  • MegaFon Moscow and i-Free start working on mobile vending - MegaFon Moscow and i-Free have started working together on mobile vending. The technology allows making purchases at vending machines with the help of mobile phone. The first coffee vending machine in Russia with mobile vending module was set to work in MegaFon Moscow office. To buy a drink in this machine one doesn't need to have cash – it's enough to send an SMS to a special short mobile number of the operator. After a few seconds the vending machine allows the consumer to choose a coffee drink from those on offer and they will receive an SMS with information on their phone.
  • MegaFon Moscow introduces Video-portal for watching mobile video without paying for traffic- MegaFon Moscow introduces new service Video-portal which provides subscribers with an opportunity to watch TV-shows, videoclips, musical and entertaining programs on their mobile phones. Now all video programs are available on one portal. The cost of the service is 8 rubles (approximately $0.18) a day (including VAT), and subscribers do not pay for traffic. At the moment MegaFon subscribers can watch 7 channels in real time mode. In future number of the shows will be extended.
  • Mobile helps promote musicians- Russian mobile content developer and distributor Content Chaos reports that new technology provides opportunities not only for selling music to mobile subscribers, but also to promote artists and their music in mobile space. Content Chaos is working right in this direction. In order to promote its album «8», famous Russian band Mumij Trol has already successfully collaborated with MegaFon in television advertising and on WAP site.
  • MegaFon chosen as official mobile operator of Winter Olympic Games 2014- MegaFon has reported that it has got the status of official mobile operator of Winter Olympic Games 2014. The status was given to MegaFon as the winner of competition in choosing the general partner of the event in telecommunications category. The competition was carried out by the organizing committee Sochi-2014.
  • Russian MTS the second largest mobile operator in Europe- Research says MTS, VimpelCom (which operates under the Beeline trademark) and MegaFon are now among the top ten biggest operators. Wireless Intelligence has highlighted the rise of Russia's mobile operators as a continental force in its latest rankings.

    MTS Group, which runs networks in six Eastern European markets including Russia and Ukraine, is now the second-largest operator group in Europe on a proportional basis behind Vodafone.

  • iPhone weak sales in Russia - During first three months of official iPhone sales in Russia there were sold no more than 120 - 180 thousand devices. According to some analytics, during 4Q there were shipped even less - only 89,000 iPhone 3G devices. Taking into account that the three largest operators in Russia obliged to buy 3.5 mln iPhones from Apple in the next three years, 1.5 mln of the phones go to VimpelCom (to be purchased in two years) and 1 mln goes to MTS (to be purchased in three years), reported anonymous operators' managers. According to MegaFon's report for 3Q08, the operator is to buy 1 mln iPhones from Apple during two-years timeframe. Therefore, to avoid losses since the fourth quarter 2008 VimpelCom must sell 187,500 iPhones each quarter, MTS – 83,300 iPhones, and MegaFon – 125,000.
  • MegaFon North-West Opened GPRS Roaming with "GrameenPhone Limited" (Bangladesh) and Cyprus Telecommunications Authority"- Yesterday, on 19 Januray 2009, MegaFon North-West, has opened a bilateral commercial GPRS roaming with the Company "GrameenPhone Limited" (Bangladesh) and GPRS roaming in the overseas Great Britain's territory - Akrotiry and Dekelii in the network "Cyprus Telecommunications Authority" (Cyprus).
  • AC&M Consulting Reports Russian Cellular Subscribers Base Grew to 188 mln; Ukraine Has 55.8 mln- AC&M Consulting has published a report stating that number of mobile subscribers (valid SIM-cards) in Russia increased to 188 mln in December 2008. In Ukraine cellular subscriber (valid SIM-cards) base grew to 55.8 mln for the same period of time. Russia:
  • Number of subscribers (valid SIM cards) increased to 188 mln, up 3.5 mln from November 2008, 15.0 mln from December 2007;
  • Penetration increased to 129.4% (up 2.4% from November 2008, 10.3% from December 2007);
  • MegaFon's RBT Service Has More Than 8 Million Subscribers- The third largest operator in Russia, MegaFon, has announced that the number of its subscribers using its personalized RBT service called «Zameni Gudok» («Change your tone») since late 2008, has exceeded 8 million. Such results were achieved two years after service launch in December 2006.
  • Apple will sell 3,5 mln iPhones within 2 years- Analyst citing industry sources close to Apple's local negotiations claimed that the company is going to sold 3,5 mln iPhones. May be this volume includes 600 000 already iPhones sold on Russian black market. Reuters said that MTS will start selling iPhone in October, with Vimpelcom and MegaFon set to cut similar deals.
  • Russian mobile internet audience exceeds 13 mln- One in four Muscovites accessing the internet at least once a month does so with the help of a mobile phone rather than a computer. Those are the findings of research conducted by TNS Gallup Media in June. Moscow's monthly internet audience (the number of people accessing the internet at least once during the course of a month) in June was 5.7 million people, while across Russia it was 24.5 million, says the research from TNS, which has been seen by Vedomosti.
  • Russian Cellcos Continue to Wait for 3G Greenlight in Moscow: Will WiMAX Players Take Advantage?- Delegates at Informa Telecoms & Media's sixth annual Russia and CIS telecoms industry conference heard UMTS Forum President Jean-Pierre Bienaime express concern about the ongoing delay with the launch of 3G services in the crucial Moscow market.
  • Megafon's new board- The shareholders of OJSC «MegaFon» elected new Board of Directors at their extraordinary meeting. The following members were re-elected to the company's Board of Directors: Mohamed Amersi, co-founder of «Emergent Telecom Ventures» (independent Board member), Alexander Okun, Managing Director of Kaskol UK LTD. (independent Board member), Aimo Eloholma, Head of Operations TeliaSonera, Maria Kastritsa, representative of law firm «J.P. Galmond & Co» and Esko Juhani RytkГ¶nen, Seniour Vice-President TeliaSonera.
  • ComNews Research: Mobile VAS market in Russia reached $2.8 billion in 2007- Russian analytic firm ComNews Research published its' report about Russian mobile VAS market in 2007. Data from ComNews showed that the market reached $2.8 bln. Mobile VAS contributed 13,5% of overall cellular market revenue in Russia. During 2007 mobile internet almost caught up with content services sector and did exceeded the latter in 3Q07 demonstrating the fastest growth rate. During 2007 mobile internet users base increased 25% to 20,5 mln. users.
  • Russia mobile subscriber base grows by 0.95% and reached 166 mln- The Russia mobile subscriber base has grown by 0.95% up to 166 mln 410 thousand (number of SIM cards) in February 2008 as compared to January 2008. The given data is provided by a monthly analytical account Advanced Communications & Media (AC&M), RBC reports. The mobile penetration level reached 114.6% as of February 29th 2008.
  • BlackBerry technology now available in Russia- Several thousand BlackBerry smart phones are to go on sale in Russia this year through the country's two leading mobile operators, the companies' press services said on Friday. In 2008, MTS and VimpelCom received the go ahead to import several thousand handheld devices, developed by the Canadian company Research In Motion (RIM), which support push e-mail, web browsing and internet access, as well as a full range of multimedia and mobile phone services.
  • i-Free redesigns Women's World page for MegaFon PRO WAP portal- i-Free, a leading provider of mobile value added services in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, has renewed the Women's World page for the MegaFon PRO WAP portal. i-Free's new edition of Women's World, titled PROLubov ("pro lubov" means "about love"), was MegaFon-Moscow's St. Valentine's present to its female subscribers. i-Free, which pioneered WAP 2.0 resources in Russia, is one of the premier providers of WAP 2.0 solutions on the market, having designed over 300 WAP portals for mobile operators, vendors and other businesses.
  • Research and Markets offer 65 Operational and Financial Metrics for the Russia Wireless Market- Research and Markets announces the addition of new IE Market Research "1Q08 Mobile Forecast: Russia, 2007 - 2010" to their offering. It covers quarterly historical data starting in 3Q2003 and ending in 3Q2007. The analytics company also provides four-year forecasts at the operator level going out to 2010. Operators covered for Russia include: MTS, VimpelCom, MegaFon and others. Research and Markets' Mobile Forecasts are updated quarterly and are available for one-time delivery or through regular updates.
  • Megafon sets up Megafon International daughter company- Megafon intends to register its 100% daughter company CJSC Megafon International, which will be engaged in foreign projects. According to the company's press service, such a decision was approved by Megafon's Board of Directors. Alexey Nichiporenko, Megafon's Deputy Director General, has been appointed Director General to Megafon International, RBC reports. "Megafon has one foreign daughter company in Tajikistan, foreign markets both in CIS and other developing countries considered as one of the possible vectors of development.
  • 3G: first beyond the Urals and then in Moscow- MTS intends to launch commercial 3G network in Krasnoyarsk and Norilsk. The company plans to invest about $1.55 bln into 3G development by 2011. Vimpelcom and Megafon do not name the regions, in which modern 3G networks will be launched in 2008. Specialists are sure networks will be launched in not more than 15 cities, Moscow is not included as there are difficulties with frequency release in Moscow.
  • Russian telecom MegaFon mulls investment in Iran- Russia's No. 3 mobile phone operator, MegaFon, said on Tuesday it planned to open a representative office in Iran and was considering long-term investments in the Middle Eastern country's telecoms sector. MegaFon said in a statement its board had decided to register a wholly-owned new subsidiary, MegaFon International, which will develop the operator's foreign projects.
  • MegaFon corporate credit ratings upgrade- MegaFon announces the results of the annual review of the Company's operations and finances by the major international credit rating agencies. Standard & Poor's (S&P) upgraded the Company's long-term credit rating from BB to BB+ with "positive" outlook. Moody's upgraded the Company's rating from Ba3 to Ba2 stable. Fitch left the Company's rating unchanged at BB stable.
  • MegaFon strengthens collaboration with Nokia Siemens Networks to offer a rich mobile Internet experience to its subscribers- MegaFon extends its cooperation with Nokia Siemens Networks for the supply of 2G GSM/EDGE infrastructure and network and service management solution. Under the agreement worth 320 million Euros signed between the two companies, Nokia Siemens Networks will also supply its cutting edge WCDMA/HSPA technology and related 3G Core network upgrades to the regions of Russia. The agreement covers future network extensions and supplies, including GSM/GPRS/EDGE, as well as WCDMA/HSPA solutions from Nokia Siemens Networks. This is a three-year frame agreement until the end of 2010.
  • Russian record: 100 SMS and 6 hours of talks a day- Subscribers of the Big Three mobile operators are spending more and more time talking. According to the representatives of the mobile companies, first of all the mentioned fact might be related to the improvement in the living standards on the citizens. The most sociable subscribers nominated for registration in the Russian Book of Records spend about 6 hours a day speaking on the phone and send about 100 SMS.
  • Beeline: MTS spoils copyright holders- Being late with the launch of Ring Back Tone service, Vimpelcom intends to insist on changing the existing procedure of payment interaction with the given service copyright holders in favor of mobile operators. Megafon stays by Vimpelcom's side, while MTS is against any changes. If the operators do not manage to agree upon the RBT unified format, then, according to experts, the given service promotion in Russia might suffer.
  • Megafon beefs up its' team with St. Petersburg specialists- Personnel reshuffles will be announced in Megafon in the near future, CNews found out. Alexander Volkov, head of the North-West subsidiary, will be appointed the company's first vice president. According to analysts, the given appointment might stimulate Megafon 3G network development and help achieve competitive revenue rates across Russia. Rumors regarding the new appointment of Alexander Volkov, North-West Megafon current director, went around before the New Year. However, then no details were announced. The information has appeared literally the other day.
  • PROSync: reliable protection for your notes- New service is available for MegaFon-Moscow subscribers to provide reliable storage of mobile data such as contact list, calendar and notes. PROSync provides opportunity to synchronize the data with server and restore them in case of occasional removal or a handset loss. PROSync service operates on a majority of mobiles. The service is ease and user-friendly – just register by SMS or on web-site and your personal data will be under reliable protection. Even if you don't have your mobile at hand, you can get access to your contact list form any point of the world via web-interface.
  • Mihail Fridman, the head of Alpha Group, kept 25% shares of mobile operator Megafon- Bermuda fund IPOC and Alpha Group came to an agreement to withdraw counter-claims concerning rights of possession for 25% of Megafon shares, the third largest mobile operator in Russia. Four-year conflict resulted in $20 mln legal fees for the both parties and Alpha Group kept the shares. Megafon was founded in 2002. 35,6% of its shares are owned by TeliaSonera, 25% plus one share by Alpha Group, 8% by IPOC and 31,3% by Telecominvest holding. In the first half of 2007 Megafon reached 14,39 bln. rubles (approximately $570 mln.) of net profit and revenue 63,6 bln.
  • RoamCell Service Available for SimSim Subscribers in Georgia and Russia- Azerbaijan, Baku - TrendCapital - Azercell Telecom continues to expand its roaming service coverage for its prepaid subscribers and postpaid subscribers. Now, the roaming service is available for SimSim subscribers in Georgia (Geocell) and Russia (Megafon). Along with this, Azercell Telecom prepaid customers can use roaming services in Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan.
  • Megafon Chose Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email As Its Email Platform- Nokia has recently announced that Russian mobile operator MegaFon will provide a mobile email service based on Nokia's Intellisync Wireless Email solution. Termed as MegaSync, the hosted service will offer mobile email, improved attachment handling, calendar, contacts and task synchronization to MegaFon's customers.
  • Content providers Top20 from Megafon- Top Ten list of content providers for August 2007 has been released. Companies are ranked in descending order according to the income from sales of voice and SMS services to Megafon subscribers through their partnership programme.

    1. INFON
    2. i-Free
    3. Incore
    4. SMS Media Solutions / Soyuztelecom
    5. Forte IT
    6. Telemarket
    7. A1
    8. Motvet LLC
    9. Playfon
    10. Plastic Media
    11. Avant Mobile
    12. Wap Tak
    13. Svyaznoy Zagruzka
    14. Solvo International
    15. Electronic Vostok
    16. SDK
    17. Artfon
    18. Shamrock Games
    19. Delfi

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