Vodafone and Russian and CIS mobile phone operator Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) have signed a partnership to provide MTS customers with communications services and to collaborate jointly on future technological developments. Under the agreement, MTS has exclusive access to a range of products, services and devices from Vodafone for Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Armenia. In addition, MTS will be able to leverage Vodafone's expertise in building and developing 3G networks and mobile broadband products, working with global equipment providers and deploying CRM practices. MTS has 87 million subscribers, including more than 60 million customers in Russia. Vodafone's products and services will be marketed in Russia and the CIS under a co-branded approach. Vodafone will also open a representative office in Moscow to co-operate more closely with MTS on future offerings and customer services.
