OREANDA-NEWS. November 8, 2012. Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” or the “Company” – NYSE: MBT), the leading telecommunications provider in Russia and the CIS, announces a strategic initiative with Microsoft, the global IT leader, to promote innovative mobile solutions by launching Windows 8 “ Ecosystem Demo Zones” in MTS retail stores.

For the first time in Russia and Central and Eastern Europe, various Windows 8 mobile devices, including software and accessories, will be available to customers at MTS retail stores. In Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, 20 “Demo Zones” will allow customers to test Windows 8 smartphones, notebooks and tablets. Specialists will be on hand to explain how the devices work together and synchronize data in the cloud via MTS’ network. Consumers will be able to purchase products bundled with data plans immediately.

“We have reimagined Windows. Now, you will be able to buy stunning Windows 8 laptops, tablets and phones that share the same iconic look, access the same cloud services and all work together to keep you connected to the people and information most important to you,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “To show people the phenomenal, full Windows experience we are thrilled join one of our most strategic partners, MTS, and open the first Windows ecosystem demo zones in Russia.”

Andrei Dubovskov, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTS, commented, “The Windows 8 ecosystem, coupled with MTS’s network, will have a significant positive effect on people’s daily lives. Whether they are using mobile commerce, planning vacations with family or staying in closer touch with friends, MTS’s customers will be among the first to experience these benefits. Furthermore, the joint project with Microsoft will help augment the reputation of MTS retail centers as mobile-powered high-technology centers.”

MTS and Microsoft have worked together strategically for the past few years. At the end of 2011, MTS was one of the first retail chains to launch Windows Phone 7 devices. At the end of Q3 2012, the share of Windows Phone in smartphone sales in the MTS retail network reached 5.1%. From April to October 2012 the sales of Windows-based Phone have been growing by approximately 30% every month.

MTS Retail Chain

MTS operates the largest carrier retail chain in Russia. At the end of H1 2012, the number of MTS stores (including franchise stores) reached 4156, 70 of which are flagship stores.

MTS’ stores offer a wide range of Windows devices — smartphones, notebooks, tablets, and navigators.

Information about Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft products are sold in more than 80 countries of the world; they have been translated into more than 45 languages (including Russian) and are compatible with most PC platforms.

Microsoft products are licensed in the Russian Federation (just as in all other European states) by Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited (MIOL). All references to license transactions with Microsoft have been made by MIOL.

Microsoft representative office has been present in Russia since November 1992 (from July 2004 — Microsoft Rus LLC). It is in charge of software promotion, partnership development, introduction of products, localization of advanced solutions and development of the Russian information technology market.

For more information on Microsoft and its products, please visit Microsoft web servers: http://www.microsoft.com/rus (Russian) and http://www.microsoft.com (English).

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the US and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.