OREANDA-NEWS. Mobile TeleSystems OJSC ("MTS" or the "Company" - NYSE: MBT), the leading telecommunications provider in Russia and the CIS, announces that Universal Mobile Systems LLC ("UMS"), a joint venture between MTS and the Republic of Uzbekistan, has commercially launched mobile networks throughout the territory of Uzbekistan.

On December 01, 2014, UMS launched sales of SIM cards through its proprietary network of 20 stores and through another 230 independent locations throughout Uzbekistan. UMS offers services over its 2G/3G networks to consumers and corporate customers.

Mr. Andrei Smelkov, MTS Vice President for Foreign Subsidiaries, commented, "We are pleased to announce the launch of a new mobile provider in Uzbekistan established by MTS and our partner, the State Committee for Communications, Development of Information Systems and Telecommunications Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The new entity is fully equipped to provide high-quality voice and mobile data services due to its ample capacity and coverage of roughly 90% of the territory of Uzbekistan."

Financial results of UMS will be consolidated in the Group's financial statements beginning from December 01, 2014.