OREANDA-NEWS. Tele2, an alternative mobile operator, and the government of Irkutsk Region have sealed an agreement on cooperation in developing telecom sector. Under agreement, the company is planning to invest around 6.1 bn rubles into the region’s mobile infrastructure over the next four years.

The agreement has been signed by Tele2 CEO Sergey Emdin and Aleksandr Bitarov, Chairman of the Irkutsk Region government.

The agreement is seeking to lay foundation for cooperation between Tele2 and the region’s government in developing information technologies and telecom infrastructure, increase in investment into economy of Irkutsk Region.

Sides have agreed that in 2016-2019 Tele2 will invest 6.1 bn rubles into modernization of the existing infrastructure and construction of new base stations in 3G/4G standards. The operator will also contribute to larger affordability of mobile services and high-speed wireless Internet in remote areas of Irkutsk Region.

In 2015, the company has invested over 1 bn rubles into modernization in Irkutsk having replaced all old equipment on its network in in the city and its satellites. From January 2016 works on modernization of base stations are being held in all districts of Irkutsk Region. All in all, by the end of the year the company will reequip over 1000 facilities of the network infrastructure.

The sides have also signed an application to the agreement on social and economic cooperation. Under the document, Tele2 will acquire medical equipment valued at 2 mn rubles for rehabilitation centre for children and teenagers with disabilities. As a part of the agreement signed by Tele2 and the regional government in March 2014, the company has already purchased medical equipment worth 6.5 mn rubles.

Sergey Emdin, CEO at Tele2:

“Irkutsk Region is one of the key regions for Tele2. We are planning not only to invest funds into modernization of the current network but also into development of new technologies and promising services. Thus, in 2H16 we are planning to commission the 4G network. The signing of the agreement on cooperation in telecom sector development is an important step for successful operations of the company in the region. We believe that effective format of cooperation with regional authorities will let us solve an important social task – to provide high-quality services and wireless Internet at prices, affordable for all residents of the region.”

Aleksandr Bitarov, Chairman of the Irkutsk Region government:

“Both authorities and business are interested in the development of the region and improvement of living standards. Investment into economy always positively influences the economic and social situation, that is why we are aiming to create favorable conditions for development of socially oriented business.”