MTS Belarus confirms Minsk region 2G network upgrade

Mobile operator MTS Belarus has announced plans to fully update its 2G GSM network in the Minsk region by the end of this year, replacing more than 400 base transceiver stations (BTS) in the process. In a press release, the Belarusian cellco says that the planned renovation and installation of advanced equipment in the network will increase the reliability and stability of voice communications in more than 5,000 settlements of the region. Work is already underway, with 148 BTS already upgraded with the latest controllers, hardware and software. Furthermore the operator, a joint limited liability company controlled by state-owned Intercity Communications (51%) and Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) of Russia (49%), says it has upgraded its mobile signal on the region’s transport network. Today, voice traffic is supported by four Media Gateways: two installed in Minsk and one each in Borisov and Molodechno.