OREANDA-NEWS. On 11 July 2008 Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” – NYSE: MBT), the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, announced that its president and chief executive, Mikhail Shamolin, joins the board of the GSM Association (GMSA), the global trade association for the mobile industry. Mr. Shamolin is appointed to the board of the GSMA as the representative of MTS.

GSMA's board members include 26 operator representatives and the GSMA CEO Rob Conway. Board members include executives of leading global operators such as China Mobile, AT&T, Orange, Telefonica O2 Europe, T-Mobile, Vodafone, and Telenor Mobile.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Shamolin as the new GSMA Board member.  As a leading operator in Russia and the CIS, MTS has been at the forefront of the region’s development into one of the world’s most dynamic mobile markets.  Considering his past operational experience and role in shaping MTS’ success over the last three years, Mr. Shamolin’s perspective will be welcome at the Association,” commented GSMA CEO Rob Conway.

“It is a privilege to represent MTS at this highly regarded forum,” said Mr. Shamolin. “We see great opportunity in our markets for mobile networks to serve as the primary means by which people make connections, entertain themselves and manage their daily activities.  Working in close proximity to the world’s leading operators will certainly enable MTS to live up to its promise of being the leading communications brand in the region.”

The GSM Association (GSMA) is the global trade association representing more than 750 GSM mobile phone operators across 218 countries and territories of the world. The Association's members represent more than 3 billion GSM and 3GSM connections - over 86% of the world's mobile phone connections. In addition, more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers support the Association's initiatives as key partners.