Vice-President on development of CIS business of Vimpelcom Dmitriy Kromskiy said: “Launch of 3G network will allow to strengthen our position in mobile broadband access to Internet and increase revenue from data transfer. In near future, we are planning to complete regular permission to 3G network and launch network in all regions of Kazakhstan.”

Currently the operator installed over 110 basic stations of 3G network in Almaty and Astana. The company launched 3G network on test mode on 22 November 2010. Huawei supplied equipment.

Beeline carried first 3G demonstration for mass media representatives and corporate clients at the office of the company in August 2008. In April 2009, the company launched 3G demonstration zone in Almaty office, where any interested person could test 3G communication.

Kar-Tel received temporary permission in Almaty and Astana for use of radio frequency on 4 November 2010 and it is effective till 31 December 2010. It is expected that Kazakh authorities will launch to issue permanent permissions from January 2011 after corresponding amendments to Tax Code come into force.