Bee Line GSM

As of January 2005 Bee Line has more than 25 million subscribers in 74 of 89 Russian regions, and in Kazakhstan, and less than 1% market share short of becoming the leader of the Russian cellular market in terms of subscriber base. Its revenue, profits and revenue per subscriber (ARPU) figures are slightly lower that competitor's, Mobile TeleSystems's, while being gradually improved in latest years.

It's current (As of January,2005) license portfolio covers territory where 94% of Russian population reside, and 100% territory of Kazakhstan.

Vimpelcom was founded in 1992 and initially operated AMPS/DAMPS network in Moscow area. In 1995 Vimpelcom became the first Russian company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: VIP).

In 1997 the company began GSM network roll-out. In 2001 it started to start GSM networks throughout Russia's regions, having gradually increased its regional presence to the majority of Russia's territory.

In 2004 Vimpelcom, in its first move outside Russia's territory, acquired Kazakhstani cellular operator KaR-Tel (brand names K-Mobile and Excess).

In 2004 Vimpelcom CEO Alexander Izosimov, formerly a top Mars, Incorporated executive, was named the best Russian manager by the Managers Association of Russia.

Vimpelcom's main competitors are Mobile TeleSystems and MegaFon.

One of the internationally known shareholders of Vimpelcom is Telenor, Norwegian telecom conglomerate.

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