MTS Chooses Tellabs for 3G Mobile Backhaul in Russia


Tellabs 8600 system upgrades MTS network, improves performance and data delivery

NAPERVILLE, Ill., April 19, 2011 - MTS, Russia's largest mobile operator, expects 86% growth in Russian data traffic by 2015. Only a next generation Ethernet/IP network upgrade can ensure that operators' service quality and reliability remain uncompromised. MTS is partnering with Tellabs and local telecom solutions provider Intracom Svyaz to prepare for this challenge.

Fulfilling the demand for mobile data

MTS is preparing for this growth with a strategic focus on network transport. Recognizing the need to boost the mobile backhaul and transport elements of their network, MTS has selected the Tellabs® 8600 Managed Edge System to support delivery of 3G mobile data services across Russia. Tellabs is now designated as a strategic supplier to MTS.

Planning for future success

"High-speed wireless data services are vital to our growth strategy," said Oleg Larionov, Director of Transport Networks Department at MTS Group. "The Tellabs 8600 series offers a proven backhaul solution that cost-effectively delivers network capacity that can scale to our future needs. We can now meet the challenge of today's growing traffic whilst providing high quality mobile data services."

"The Tellabs 8600 series is ideal for the high-growth Russian market," said Tarcisio Ribeiro, Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa at Tellabs. "It enables MTS to migrate to Ethernet/IP technology. Tellabs offers a cost-effective way to deliver mobile broadband, and supports the launch of new data services."

Implementation of the Tellabs system will start later this year.

Global strategy, local partnership

As part of the deal, Tellabs partnered with telecom solutions provider Intracom Svyaz, Intracom Telecom's Russian subsidiary, a Sitronics Group company. Tarcisio Ribeiro notes, "We are providing the Tellabs 8600 system and a range of professional services which Intracom Svyaz is complementing with additional services and technical expertise to support the local requirements."

This agreement expands Tellabs' presence in the fast-expanding Russian mobile market. It also delivers on the Tellabs strategy of focusing on key growth markets.

About Tellabs - Tellabs innovations advance the mobile Internet and help our customers succeed. That's why 43 of the top 50 global communications service providers choose our mobile, optical, business and services solutions. We help them get ahead by adding revenue, reducing expenses and optimizing networks.

Tellabs (Nasdaq: TLAB) is part of the NASDAQ Global Select Market, Ocean Tomo 300(TM) Patent Index, the S&P 500 and several corporate responsibility indexes including the Maplecroft Climate Innovation Index, FTSE4Good and eight FTSE KLD indexes. www.tellabs.com

About MTS - Mobile TeleSystems OJSC ("MTS") is the leading telecommunications group in Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, offering mobile and fixed voice, broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one of the world's fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries, the Group services over 108.9 million mobile subscribers in Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia and Belarus, a region that boasts a total population of more than 230 million. Since June 2000, MTS' Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MBT). Additional information about the MTS Group can be found at www.mtsgsm.com.

About Intracom Svyaz - Intracom Svyaz is the Russian subsidiary of INTRACOM TELECOM, an international telecommunication systems vendor operating in Eastern Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Russia, the CIS and Asia-Pacific. Over 100 customers in more than 50 countries choose INTRACOM TELECOM for its state-of-the-art products and solutions. The company innovates in the wireless access and transmission field, in the area of content delivery, value-added services, policy management and enforcement solutions, and combines its products with a complete range of professional services. Since June 2006, INTRACOM TELECOM is a part of SITRONICS one of the leading suppliers of solutions in the field of telecommunications, information technologies and microelectronics in Russia and CIS.

CONTACT: Media, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Pia Eerikainen, +358.9.4131.3355, pia.eerikainen@tellabs.com, North and Latin America, Marta Kwiatek, +1.630.798.2524, marta.kwiatek@tellabs.com, Asia Pacific, Yvonne Cheong, +65.6215.6334, yvonne.cheong@tellabs.com; Investors, Tom Scottino, +1.630.798.3602, tom.scottino@tellabs.com

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