Urals Federal District and Perm Krai (region)

Territory — 1.9 mln sq. km

Population — 15.3 million (9% of Russia’s population)

Urban population — 80%.

Gross regional product in 2008 — US$ 355.5 billion (21% of Russia’s total)

Oil (65% of national oil resources / 6% of world reserves)

Gas (95% of national reserves / 26% of world reserves)

Ironstone (21% of national reserves), magnesium ore (9%), copper, gold, silver, diamonds

Source: Goskomstat of Russia (State Committee for Statistics)

The Urals region ranks among Russian leaders in terms of economic growth and standards of living, which translates into a high level of demand for telecommunication services from both residents and businesses.

The Urals region generates about 10% of total revenues of Russian telecom sector, where USI’s portion is estimated at 7%. At the same time the company is enjoying strong market presence, both in traditional telephony and mobile communications.