ArmenTel, the Armenian fixed and mobile operator acquired by Russian cellco Vimpelcom, has been awarded radio frequencies to provide 3G services. According to a report from comnews.ru, the decision has been approved by the Commission for Regulation of Public Services in Armenia. Vimpelcom’s application for radio frequencies was apparently considered within six days, and ArmenTel will now be provided with frequencies in the range of 1929MHz-1935MHz and 2110MHz-2125MHz. In a statement Vimpelcom said: ‘ArmenTel owns Licence #60 giving the company the right to render 3G services in the territory of Armenia’.
Meanwhile, Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), Vimpelcom’s principal domestic rival in Russia is also said to be interested in the mobile broadband internet access market in Armenia. MTS recently acquired an 80% stake in Armenian mobile operator Karabakh Telecom (VivaCell) and now hopes to get a 3G licence in the country too.