PLEASURE WITH "VYMPELCOM"

A1+
[06:22 pm] 06 December, 2006

It is not known whether the brand of "ArmenTel" will be changed or
will remain the same. "Vympelcom" which has bought 90% of the shares of
"ArmenTel" does not have the answer to that question yet. The reason,
according to the representatives of "Vympelcom", is the respect for
"ArmenTel": the issue is still being discussed.

Until then, the subscribers of "ArmenTel" must be ready to "enjoy
the connection and feel free in time and space" together with
"Vympelcom". This is the mission of "Vympelcom" in Armenia which
will be fulfilled under the direction of Oleg Bliznyuk who has been
appointed director of "ArmenTel" replacing Vasilis Fetsis from Greece
who occupied the position since 2004.

"Vympelcom" realizes that they have bought a large company which
"is an important step in the development of your own business in
the CIS countries". By the way, this bargain is the first attempt
of the Russian company in the telecommunication field. Nevertheless,
the director promises that the quality of the connection will improve
considerably. "Vympelcom" intends to become the leader in the Armenian
market and to provide the subscribers with high-quality service.

The representatives of the company did not inform how much money they
are going to invest in order to achieve their aims. They also refused
to say how the investments will affect the pockets of the subscribers.

Oleg Bliznyuk also claimed that their company is not afraid of
competition and stated that they are ready to renounce the monopoly
in the internet field. As for the fate of the 10% of the shares which
belongs to the RA Government, it is not yet clear. Let us remind
you that the Minister of Transport and Communication, who has been
entrusted with the shares, said the RA Government is ready to sell
that part if the new owner of the company renounces the monopoly.