Russian operator Scartel, working under the Yota brand, has launched testing of its LTE network in Novosibirsk. Commercial data services based on USB modems will start mid-January, the operator said. Yota is working on integrating the network with other operators that could offer services over its LTE infrastructure and for roaming. Russian mobile operator Megafon has already completed technical integration, Yota said. Yota currently runs 63 LTE base stations in Novosibirsk and 150 new base stations are planned by March 2012. According to a report on RBC Daily, Yota invested USD 10 million in the network in Novosibirsk. The operator will start modem sales in the retail outlets Svyaznoy and Euroset, as well as its own stores in January. The modem priced at RUB 2,990 is produced by Taiwan-based Quanta Computers.
