Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has announced the commercial launch of a 4G network based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in Uzbekistan, the first fully operational 4G network in the CIS and Central Asia. According to TeleGeography¡¯s GlobalComms Database, the launch brings to four the number of live commercial LTE networks across the world; the others being in Sweden (TeliaSonera), Norway (TeliaSonera's subsidiary Netcom) and Finland (TeliaSonera, 'soft-launch' last month).

The Uzbeki LTE network has been deployed in the central part of Tashkent, with the company planning to expand network coverage significantly over time. The technology enables MTS subscribers to enjoy data transfer rates of up to 100Mbps using LTE-enabled modems. ¡®The development of our networks is a key driver for growth, particularly in a region with relatively low fixed line broadband penetration. By bringing LTE to the market, we can offer both our business and individual customers the fastest, most reliable broadband access in the region. The introduction of LTE in Uzbekistan will also allow MTS to gain valuable insight from this unique experience and eventually apply it to other markets of operation in the future,¡¯ commented ?leg Raspopov, Vice President and Head of Business Unit MTS Foreign Subsidiaries. MTS¡¯s LTE network utilises the 2.5GHz-2.7GHz frequency range, following receipt of a licence in October 2009. The equipment for the new network was supplied by Huawei.