Russian mobile operator eyes 3G technology

Russia's second largest mobile operator, VimpelCom, is considering investing up to $US 350 MLN to develop 3G broadband mobile telephony. The company expects the amount of Russians using a 3G connection to top 12 MLN within a decade.

Vimpelcom is now competing for a license to use the technology, which allows people to send video and watch television on their mobile phones.

Its main rivals are Megafon and MTS which are not likely to let Vimpelcom get the promising sector without a fight.