OREANDA-NEWS. Tele2, an alternative mobile operator, has launched the first 3G network in St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg has become the first Tele2 region where the operator started providing high-speed wireless Internet. The 3G launch resulted from integration of Tele2 and Rostelecom mobile assets which let to setting up a new federal operator.

Tele2 provides a stable coverage of 3G network in St. Petersburg and a number of cities in Leningrad Region. In 1Q15 the operator will considerably expand the network coverage by having doubled a number of 3G base stations.

By the end of 2014, Tele2 is planning to launch the 3G network in Novosibirsk, Chelyabinsk and Tambov. The operator will launch 4G network in LTE 1800 MHz standard and thereby implement a technology neutrality principle. It allows a rollout of new generation networks in GSM frequencies. Over 2015, 3G/4G wireless Internet will become available to Tele2 subscribers in over 50 regions.

Tele2 is offering three new package tariffs to its users of high-speed wireless Internet - "Black". "Dark Black", "The Blackest". When creating these tariffs, the operator adhered to its main principles - low prices, simplicity and a lack of hidden conditions. Tariffs differ in volume of included Internet traffic, a number of minutes and SMS.

In particular, the "Dark Black" tariff in St. Petersburg includes 3 GB of traffic, unlimited calls on Tele2 network in home region, 350 minutes of calls to other operators' subscribers in the region and on Tele2 network in Russia, 150 SMS. The subscriber fee totals 290 rubles per month.

Besides, Tele2 envisaged different tariff options for subscribers who want to use high-speed wireless Internet but are satisfied with a current tariff. For example, the Internet package (5 GB per month) costs 250 rubles per month.

Mikhail Noskov, CEO at Tele2:

"By having launched 3G network, Tele2 entered an important stage on its path to setting up a new federal operator with a full range of modern services. By 2015, high-speed wireless Internet at affordable prices will be available to majority of Tele2 clients. We expect the 3G/4G development to attract new subscribers and boost earnings."