MTS announces the suspension of the license "MTS Uzbekistan" a period of 10 days

Telecommunications operator MTS announced the termination of the provision of telecommunications services 9.5 million residents of the republic from 18:00 Tashkent time July 17, 2012 as ordered by the Uzbek Agency for Communications and Informatization of the suspension for 10 working days of the telecom license of a foreign enterprise "Uzdurobita", LLC ( "Uzdunrobita"), a 100% subsidiary of MTS in Uzbekistan.

Subscribers receive timely notification about the complete cessation of service due from the operator "Uzdurobita."

MTS states that as of July 17, 2012 "Uzdunrobita" promptly and fully complied with all previously issued orders of the State Inspectorate of Uzbekistan, including in particular the operation of base stations and fiber-optic communication lines set forth in these regulations . MTS believes the suspension of the license of the Uzbek companies and unjustified violation of the rights of foreign investors, which includes national and international laws.

These actions by regulatory authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan in conjunction with synchronous inspection of the company by several regulatory authorities of Uzbekistan held with gross violations of procedural rules, in conjunction with the use of tactics of intimidation and arrest of staff "Uzdurobita" can be interpreted as an unwarranted attack on the business of the Russian investor.

As of July 17, 2012 MTS Ubekistan also not received official complaints regarding any irregularities discovered as a result of comprehensive audits of financial and economic activities of companies that conducted the investigation authorities in Uzbekistan. "Uzdunrobita" works in the market of Uzbekistan in strict accordance with the requirements of the legislation, and regularly scheduled audit of the financial and economic activities of the company before the acquisition of OJSC "MTS" in 2004 and after, did not reveal any significant violations of the law, including including, in respect of tax, foreign exchange and licensing requirements.

MTS announces that implements all the necessary measures to protect their rights and the rights of employees of the Uzbek companies available legal means. MTS appealed to the leadership of the Republic of Uzbekistan to take action to prevent serious violations of the law in conducting audits of financial and economic activity and investigation in respect of its employees, as well as to provide as provided by law and by international treaties protecting the rights of foreign investors.