As previously announced, the operations of Barash Communications Technologies, Inc. (BCTI), MTS’ newly acquired (51% controlling stake) US incorporated company with a GSM license for Turkmenistan, were suspended due to the decision made last week by the Communications Ministry of Turkmenistan to revoke the company’s license.

MTS’ management immediately began negotiations with the Turkmen government, which resulted in the reinstatement of BCTI’s license yesterday afternoon. The company has now resumed providing mobile services to its subscribers (approximately 60 thousand; around 97% of the country’s mobile phone users).

Vassily Sidorov, MTS’ President and CEO, commented: “We are very satisfied with the Communication Ministry’s decision to return BCTI’s license. This response is a clear indication that the government is interested in creating favorable conditions for large foreign investors and it provides a good basis for our future long-term cooperation in developing the telecommunications infrastructure in the country. We are also certainly pleased to be able to resume services to subscribers that were cut off for several days.”