Armenian Operator to Launch 3G Services in 2009

Armenia's K-Telecom, which trades as VivaCell has said that it aims to launch a 3G network early next year, reports the local ARKA news agency. The 3G coverage will be initially offered in the capital Yerevan and the cities of Gyumri and Vanadzor.

The company was also reported to be the country's top taxpayer - having doubled its contributions to the state budget in the first half of this year. According to the State Tax Service (STS), K-Telecom paid 15 billion drams (US$50 million) in taxes in the first six months.

Last October, Russia's VimpleCom announced that its Armenian subsidiary, ArmenTel was also granted a 3G license in Armenia at the same time as K-Telecom. The country is planning to award a 3rd mobile license within a few months.

Figures from the Mobile World show that the country ended last year with a shade under 3 million subscribers - representing a population penetration level of 61%.

On the web: ARKA - The Mobile World

Posted to the site on 28th August 2008