According to unverified local press reports mobile operator Tele2 Russia plans to launch wireless services in the Far East Federal District in October, around 18 months after first securing licences there. TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that in April 2011 Tele2 obtained four licences to provide GSM mobile services in the 1800MHz frequency band in the Far Eastern Federal District. Through its regional subsidiary Siberian Mobile Connection, the operator obtained frequencies in the Sakhalin, Chukotka, Kamchatka and Koryak regions.
Russian national operator Rostelecom also won 1800MHz licences in Roskomnadzor’s April 2011 tender, covering the Sakhalin and Chukotka regions, while Vimpelcom was awarded a solitary concession in the Chukotka Autonomous District. Vimpelcom had long coveted frequencies in the Far Eastern Federal District: the only area where it did not have a full complement of GSM licences at that time.