OREANDA-NEWS. On 19 February 2008 was announced, that international rating agency Fitch Ratings affirmed OAO Sibirtelecom's Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'B+' with Stable Outlook and Short-term IDR at 'B'.

The ratings reflect Sibir's dominant market position in its area of operations in eastern and much of western Siberia. Sibir controls about 80% of fixed lines in its operating territory and its market share by revenue is high.

Sibir holds a fairly stable market share in the mobile segment; it is the third leading mobile operator in the Siberian Federal Region of Russia. The company continues to demonstrate subscriber growth, which, coupled with healthy profitability margins in the mobile segment, contributes positively to Sibir's overall profitability and cash generation. The ratings also take into consideration the company's high internet access market share and the broadband segment's growing contribution to profitability.

The Stable Outlook reflects Fitch's expectations that Sibir will be able to largely sustain its shares in the local services and mobile markets and to grow its broadband and other 'new services' ahead of competition