New GSM operator Azerfon: "We will be energetic and aggressive in market"

Azerfon told APA that it will first cover Baku, Sumgait, Absheron peninsula, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Mingechevir, Lenkeran and Guba. Azerfon plans to cover 80% of the territory of Azerbaijan by the end of 2007. Azerfon has started to implement the agreement with Siemens AG of Germany for the supply, installation and commissioning of advanced network equipment required to establish the stations, central control system and the new network and the agreement with Russia's CBOSS Corporation for the delivery and implementation of integrated intelligent networking solutions that will provide advanced services on the network. Some equipment has already been delivered to Azerbaijan.

Azerfon will provide high-tech services for the customers.

Azerfon plans to offer new services in order to compete in the market. Offering 3G service, Azerfon will also provide video call, mobile TV and other entertainment. The Company will also focus on the price in order to be competitive. "We will come to the market more energetically and aggressively. The Company will pursue new price policy. The price will be reasonable for customers."

The establishment of the network and infrastructure will cost $ 300m. Besides, the Company wants to make great investment for provision of advanced services and IT solutions. The Company currently employs 180 people but the number will reach 1000.

AZERFON LLC has been granted a license by Ministry of Communication and Information Technology of Azerbaijan Republic dated 28.12.2005 for the provision of GSM mobile communications services in 900/1800 MHz band throughout the territory of Azerbaijan.
Azerfon's stockholders are Aztelecom (10%), Siemens (30%), British ERSTEL Azerbaijan Ltd (30%) and CELLEX Communication (30%).