"Under the agreement, MTS has exclusive access to a range of products, services and devices from Vodafone for its markets of operation. In addition, MTS will be able to draw on Vodafone's expertise in building and developing third generation (3G) networks and mobile broadband products," the companies said in a joint statement.
The partnership with MTS will help Vodafone study opportunities on the telecoms markets of Russia and former Soviet republics, which are among the fastest growing in the world, the statement said.
"This groundbreaking agreement will give our customers the most innovative products and services from around the world. At the same time, Vodafone's commercial insights and technical expertise will translate into significant operational efficiencies for MTS over the long-term as we transition our networks to 3G and beyond." MTS CEO Mikhail Shamolin said.
Vodafone is the world's largest mobile phone operator in terms of sales, and provides services through its subsidiaries in 27 countries. The company cooperates with partners in more than 40 countries.
