Mobile service provider Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (MTS) with services in Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) has announced the commercial launch of a 4G LTE network in Uzbekistan. MTS claims that it is first fully operational LTE network in the CIS and Central Asia.

The network is deployed in the 2.5-2.7 GHz frequency range and has been supplied by Huawei. MTS had received the license in October 2009.

The LTE network is currently deployed in the central part of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, with the Company planning to significantly expand network coverage in the coming periods. With this launch, MTS expects it's subscribers to enjoy data transfer rates of up to 100 Mbps using LTE-enabled modems.

"The development of our networks is a key driver for growth, particularly in a region with relatively low-fixed line broadband penetration. By bringing LTE to the market, we can offer both our business and individual customers the fastest, most reliable broadband access in the region. The introduction of LTE in Uzbekistan will also allow MTS to gain valuable insight from this unique experience and eventually apply it to other markets of operation in the future," said Mr. Оleg Raspopov, Vice President and Head of Business Unit MTS Foreign Subsidiaries.