VIVACELL IS RENOVATING THE TELESCOPES OF BYURAKAN OBSERVATORY

Lragir, Armenia
Oct 3 2007

VivaCell, a subsidiary of MTS (NYSE: MBT), today announces that is
providing 23.3 million drams contribution for upgrading and renovation
of Byurakan Observatory telescopes’ management system, runs the news
release of the company.

Byurakan Observatory is the most important center of Armenian
astrophysics where for decades scholarly research have been conducted
by Armenian astronomers, and among them was also the outstanding
scientist Viktor Hambardzumyan.

The 2.6 meters long telescope of the famous Byurakan Observatory
is currently in a very bad working condition. Because of the lack
of means to cover the maintenance costs the telescope has become
non-operational. VivaCell has been always found to be there where
there is a demand for social support and action and a need for
supporting science and culture. VivaCell made 23.3 drams contribution
for the upgrade and renovation of Byurakan Observatory telescopes’
management system. This will help obtain and use state-of-the-art
equipment in the work of the 2.6 meters long telescope. In particular,
new computers will be bought for the control center, and the nitrogen
synthesis system used for the thermo isolation of the control center
which is necessary for the proper operation of the telescope, will
undergo complete renovation.

VivaCell’s contribution will also extend to the 1 meter long Schmidt
telescope the opening of which in 1961 was also attended by the
leader of the USSR Nikita Khruschov. Thanks to VivaCell support the
electronic system will also be renovated. In particular, a CCD matrix
will be created and the management system will be put into operation.

Owing to VivaCell’s support these two large telescopes again will be
made available to the employees of the observatory and our scientists.