MTS buys rival BCC for RUB 300 mn to enhance 3G coverage

MTS 5G in Russia with EricssonMTS announced the acquisition of the regional telecom network operator Bashkortostan Cellular Communication (BCC) from Rostelecom’s subsidiary Bashinformsvyaz for RUB 300 million including net debt.

The transaction allows MTS to strengthen its 3G presence in Bashkortostan by obtaining additional frequency resources, including two bands of 15 MHz at 2,100 MHz, as well as two bands of 4.4 MHz in the 450 MHz spectrum.

The acquisition of a significant frequency resource at a reasonable price in Bashkortostan, one of Russia’s ten largest regional telecom markets, is aligned with MTS’ strategy of enhancing the Group’s capabilities throughout Russia’s regions.

“With this investment, we are increasing our 3G network capacity and speed in Bashkortostan by doubling the frequency resource in the 2,100 MHz band. We intend to use these frequencies to further develop our data networks,” said Andrei Ushatskiy, vice president for Technology and IT, MTS.