OREANDA-NEWS. Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” or the “Company” - NYSE: MBT), the leading telecommunications provider in Russia and the CIS, announces that the Company has acquired a controlling stake in the Russian-Uzbek joint venture Universal Mobile Systems LLC (“UMS'' or “the Operator”) and plans to commercially launch operations throughout the territory of Uzbekistan on December 1, 2014.

In accordance with the terms of a Settlement Agreement between MTS and the Republic of Uzbekistan, a 50.01% stake in the charter capital of UMS was transferred to MTS, while a state-owned unitary enterprise established and managed by the State Committee for Communications, Development of Information Systems and Telecommunications Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan will retain the remaining 49.99% stake. The assets, equipment and infrastructure, which were previously owned by Uzdunrobita FE LLC, a former subsidiary of MTS in Uzbekistan, were transferred to UMS.

UMS has been granted 2G, 3G and LTE licenses, and received frequencies, numbering capacity and other permits required for the launch of the operations. UMS has also received guaranties for the investment protection and return of investments in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The parties intend to submit a joint application to discontinue ongoing legal proceedings in the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, Member of the World Bank Group (ICSID).

The Settlement agreement is governed by English law and provides for resolution of any disputes arising out of the Settlement agreement in the International Court of Arbitration under International Chamber of Commerce in Paris (ICC).