OREANDA-NEWS. January 29, 2013. Russian Communications and Mass Media Minister Nikolay Nikiforov and Tele2 AB CEO & President Mats Granryd have held a meeting in Moscow.

Parties have discussed prospects for the development of the Russian communications market at the meeting held in Moscow on 29 January 2013.

 At the beginning of the meeting, Nikolay Nikiforov, the head of the Communications and Mass Media Ministry (Minkomsvyaz), expressed his opinion on the main directions for the industry’s development stipulated by the ministry. In his turn, Mats Granryd, Tele2 AB CEO and President, looked at the Tele2 operations aiming to develop telecommunications in the Russian regions penetrated by the Company.

 The parties discussed federal and regional special-purpose programs in telecommunications and possibilities for solving social tasks through mobile service development.

 Participants focused on digital divide issues in Russia and innovations component in different telecommunications segments. Nikolay Nikiforov and Mats Granryd shared their views on MNP prospects, LTE network rollout and an introduction of the technology neutrality.

Mats Granryd, Tele2 AB CEO and President:

 “Today was the first time Tele2 representatives met Nikolay Nikiforov, the head of Minkomsvyaz, to exchange views on the future of the Russian telecommunications sector. I am glad that the Tele2 strategy meets the key prospects for the industry’s development and Minkomsvyaz’ priority targets.”

Tele2 is one of the main foreign investors into the Russian telecommunications sector. Starting from 2003, the Company’s investments into the Russian economy exceed USD 3 billion. Since 2010, Tele2’s direct investments total USD 250 million annually.