MTS and Telecom Italia Sparkle networks have established a direct connection

Telecom Italia Sparkle, a leading global telecommunication service provider, and Mobile Tele Systems (MTS, NYSE: MBT), the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, have established a direct connection to be used for international voice traffic. 

Direct interconnection of MTS and Telecom Italia Sparkle networks aims to improve the quality of service for customers of both companies. Under the corresponding agreement MTS gained access to all international lines owned by Telecom Italia Sparkle that hold a major share in international traffic for Mediterranean. The networks were interconnected at Ancotel international communication centre, Germany. 

Direct connection to Telecom Italia Sparkle means for MTS a further development of partnership strategy with international operators. We are happy that Telecom Italia Sparkle that runs its business on the territories very much enjoyed by tourists from Russia and other countries serviced by MTS is becoming our direct connection partner. It means that we can reduce the traffic termination costs and guarantee MTS customers high quality of international calls, says Evgeniy Moskalev, MTS Director for Convergence. 

We are happy to have MTS as a direct partner in voice traffic exchange. I am sure that this project will assist in bringing the company relations to the new level, make the two companies more profitable, and guarantee our customer better and more reliable service, says Paolo Ficini, Telecom Italia Sparkle Director Central and Eastern Europe. 

The agreement signed between the companies governs the exchange of traffic between their networks. In addition to it MTS has gained access to Telecom Italia Sparkle international transit lines that had been formed through interconnection with other global fixed line and mobile operators. In its turn Telecom Italia Sparkle will be able to terminate traffic on MTS networks in Russia, Armenia, Belorussia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. 

MTS obtained a license for long distance communications in 2006. In November 2008 the company commissioned long distance communication network and obtained a permit from the RF Ministry of Telecom & Mass Communication Media for internal and long distance traffic transfer through its own network. As a result it has become possible for the company to establish direct connections with global operators. Previously, according to regulations in force, MTS had to transfer international traffic through long distance operators that in their turn established connections with global operators.