The number of subscribers of Russian mobile operator Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) in Turkmenistan has exceeded 500 000. The company's press center has reported that its Turkmen unit recorded a 2,5 increase in subscriber base in the last 12 months.

"In the last 12 months, MTS has reported the ever highest growth rate in Turkmenistan. Such impressive dynamics of growth have been achieved owing to the implementation of the company's comprehensive strategy aimed at developing the MTS network infrastructure and expanding its coverage zone, as well as improving subscriber services, introducing innovative technologies and services, and offering tariffs that meet the demand of subscribers as much as possible," MTS Turkmen unit acting director Dmitriy Schukin said.

MTS is now a leading mobile communications operator at the Turkmen market. At the end of the first quarter of 2008, MTS had a market share of 85.5%. According to the company's press center, the number of MTS base stations in Turkmenistan grew 50%. The company's network has been extended to all inhabited areas with population exceeding 2000 people.

Apart from MTS, there is also Altyn Asyr (Golden Age) national operator providing GSM standard mobile services in Turkmenistan. Altyn Asyr is a subsidiary organization of the Turkmentelekom state electrical communication company.