BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

24/07/2006

Belarus' BeST to invest $47 mln in network devt in 2006-2007

MINSK, July 24 (Prime-Tass) -- Belarus' state-controlled mobile operator Belarus Telecommunications Network, or BeST, plans in 2006-2007 to invest around US$47 million in network development, BeST's Deputy General Director Sergei Poblaguyev told reporters Monday.

The funds will come from loans received in 2005 from several Chinese banks worth a total of $234 million.

BeST plans to install 120 base stations along the country's key highways in 2007, Poblaguyev said.

In 2007, BeST also plans to start installing payphones operating on a mobile network in rural areas, Poblaguyev said.

Belarusian state-owned company Agat holds 75% stake in BeST, while state-controlled fixed-line monopoly Beltelecom holds a 25% stake in the company.

BeST started commercial operations in the capital city of Minsk on December 21, 2005, and had 8,500 users as of June 1.

Source:

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/18447.php

Google