VimpelCom CEO: Operators to develop LTE in small towns together

MOSCOW, Aug 31 (PRIME) -- The Russian mobile operators are holding talks on joint construction of an LTE network in underpopulated towns to reduce costs and fulfill the Digital Development Ministry’s requirement, VimpelCom General Director Alexander Torbakhov told reporters late on Monday.

“The operators are holding dialogue; we all understand…that we should build this network at least together, because it’s clear that it’s of an extremely low margin if not loss-making. This is why this network will be built in coopetition to cut expenses,” Torbakhov said.

VimpelCom Executive Vice President Valery Shorzhin said the company is negotiating the process with all the other operators of the big four, comprising also MTS, MegaFon, and T2 RTK Holding, working under brand Tele2, yet there is no final decision so far.

“Evidently, we mean not only joint construction, but also joint exploitation of the network,” he said.

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