Uzmacom

cancelled

Uzmacom was awarded one of the four GSM 900 licenses by Uzbek Postal and Telegraph Agency (UPTA) in October 1996. The other three licenses were awarded to Unitel (Daewoo), Buztel (Bakrie Group), and Coscom (MCT Investors). Uzmacom was a joint venture between Makhalliy Telecom (former state-owned Uzbek Telecom) and the Malaysian company Superior Communications Sdn. Bdh. The initial investment in the project was US$10 million aimed at signing on 20,000 subscribers in its first two years. The company started its commercial services in August 1997. By mid 2003, Uzmacom had about 12,500 subscribers, placing it fourth among Uzbekistan's six mobile service providers. In the first quarter of 2003 the company installed additional stations in the capital and Tashkent region, including towns of Chirchik, Yangiyul, Gazalkent and others. In early 2005 Russian group Alfa purchased the 74% Superior Communications held in Uzmacom. Alfa already owned the Buztel (1403) and Unitel (1400) brands in Uzbekistan. Uzmacom renewed its original license in August 2001. The new license allowed the operator to provide GSM 1800 as well as GSM 900 service. On August 15, 2005 Uzmacom’s license expired and the company did not apply for a renewal. Uzmacom switched off its customers on August 16th, 2005. None None