AZG Armenian Daily #116, 24/06/2005

Telecommunication

NEW MOBILE PHONE OPERATOR TO GET IN ON JULY 1

President of the Shareholders’ Board of Kh-Telecom, Pier Fatush, Board
member Hussein Rifayi and Lebanese ambassador to Armenia Gabriel Shahra
answered journalists’ questions at a press conference yesterday.

Hussein Rifayi stated, speaking on behalf of the board, that the company
will start operating from 1 July. He said that the new mobile operator’s
service will surpass all expectations. He emphasized the high-quality
connection and the company’s resolution to set competitive fare. He also
mentioned that the company’s investments by now amount to $75 million.

Executive director of Kh-Telecom, Ralf Yirikian, provided details on the
prospects of new mobile operator. “Today, Armenia has got a new voice and
it’s called Viva Cell”, Yirikian said explaining that Kh-Telecom will be
called Viva Cell from now on. The new trademark symbolizes life, freedom and
fervor. The company will also add a motto — Your Family.

>From the first day of its operation the company will fully cover the
territories of Yerevan, Armavir and Ararat, and partially Aragatsotn, Kotayk
and Gegharqunik. In 3 months the company will supply 300.000 subscribers.

Viva Cell’s cards will be called ALO and classic. Ralf Yirikian was slow to
tell the price of the cards and while asked to compare the future price with
those functioning in Nagorno Karabakh, said that the prices in Karabakh are
no yardstick for Armenia.

Viva Cell will spare no effort to occupy the position of leading mobile
phone operator in Armenia. The company now employs 140 workers but the staff
will gradually enlarge.

Lebanese ambassador to Armenia introduced Pier Fatush saying that he is a
great beneficent of Artsakh as no one wanted to take the risk of investing
in the region, but he ventured.

By Ara Martirosian