MTS Uzbekistan and VivaCell-MTS, members of MTS Group, successfully tested LTE roaming in their networks and signed protocol of intention, which sets goals and functions of mobile operators within the framework of organization of joint LTE roaming.

In line with the document, the sides will cooperate on business and technical levels to organize processes, necessary to support international LTE roaming and ensure support of LTE roaming by means of the operators.

Within the cooperation MTS Uzbekistan and VivaCell-MTS will use standards, specifications and models for LTE-roaming, developed by Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Both companies plan to use LTE roaming standards, specifications and patterns developed by Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). 3GPP approved LTE as next standard of broadband mobile network after UMTS. LTE roaming works in 4G network of MTS Uzbekistan and VivaCell-MTS at the 2.6 Mhz frequency. Modems Samsung GT B3710 and Huawei E398 were used during testing.

MTS Vice-President and Director of Foreign Subsidiary Companies Business unit Oleg Raspopov said: “MTS Uzbekistan and VivaCell-MTS launched LTE (4G) networks in their internal markets and plans to expand the volume of services, rendered to customers. One of important steps in this direction is ensuring work of LTE roaming. The cooperation of companies within MTS Group will allow customers to take LTE device with themselves to abroad and receive all advantages of mobile broadband at LTE network. MTS Group plans to ensure development of 4G communication in other countries, where it works.”

MTS Uzbekistan launched first commercial 4G network in CIS and Central Asia at the 2.5-2.7 MHz frequencies in late July 2010. Besides, the operator received permission for the use radio frequencies in the range of 700 MHz to expand 4G network in November 2010.

VivaCell-MTS, subsidiary of MTS in Armenia, received permission to use radio frequencies in the range of 2.6 MHz for LTE network in Yerevan and Armenian regions in November 2010. LTE network in Armenia has been launched in December 2010. Download speed at both networks can reach 100 Mbps.