MOSCOW, April 3 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's leading telecom and Internet operator purchased a controlling stake in an alternative communications provider in the Russian republic of Tatarstan, the company said in a statement Monday.

Golden Telecom purchased a 70% controlling stake in Tatintelcom, the largest Internet provider in Tatarstan. The company, which was founded in 2001, is also licensed to provide broadband services on the basis of ADSL technology and lease communications channels.

"Promotion of broadband Internet access services in the regions is the most important component of our business strategy," said Golden Telecom CEO Jean-Pierre Vandromme. "Prior to the acquisition of Tatintelcom, the company was not represented in the republic but operated via its partners. Acquisition of Tatintelcom will enable the company to provide services to its current corporate clients directly and enter the mass-scale market of broadband access services."

Golden Telecom offers voice, data and Internet services to corporations, operators and consumers using its metropolitan overlay network and via intercity fiber optic and satellite-based networks. The company also offers cellular communications services in the Ukrainian cities of Kiev and Odessa.