MTS Mobile TeleSystems

MTS, or Mobile TeleSystems, is a major telecommunications company in Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries. The company provides a wide range of services including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, cable TV, and content services. It was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become one of the largest telecommunications companies in Russia and the CIS.

MTS operates in several countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, and Uzbekistan. The company is headquartered in Moscow, Russia and employs over 79,000 people.

History

MTS was founded in 1993 as a joint venture between Moscow City Telephone Network (MGTS) and US West International, a subsidiary of US West. In the early years, the company focused on building out its network and expanding its customer base. In 2000, the company went public, listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Over the years, MTS has grown both organically and through acquisitions. In 2005, the company acquired UMC, Ukraine's second-largest mobile operator. In 2008, MTS entered the Belarusian market by acquiring the state-owned Belarusian Telecommunications Network (BeST).

In 2012, MTS sold its stake in its Uzbekistan subsidiary, Uzdunrobita, to the Uzbek government. The sale was part of a broader effort by the company to focus on its core markets and improve its financial performance.

Services

MTS offers a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, cable TV, and content services. The company's mobile network covers more than 80% of Russia's population, making it the largest mobile operator in the country. MTS also operates fixed-line networks in several of the countries where it operates.

Mobile services

MTS offers a range of mobile services, including voice, SMS, and data. The company operates a 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE network in Russia, and a 3G and 4G/LTE network in other countries. In addition to traditional mobile services, MTS offers value-added services such as mobile TV, music, and gaming.

Fixed-line services

MTS provides fixed-line services in several of the countries where it operates. These services include voice, broadband internet, and cable TV. MTS's fixed-line network in Russia covers over 70% of the country's population.

Content services

MTS offers a range of content services, including music, video, and games. The company partners with content providers to offer a wide range of content to its customers. MTS's content services are available both on mobile and fixed-line platforms.

Innovation

MTS has a strong track record of innovation in the telecommunications industry. In 2006, the company launched the world's first mass-market mobile TV service. The service allowed customers to watch live TV on their mobile phones. Since then, MTS has continued to innovate and introduce new services.

In 2014, MTS launched a pilot project to test its 5G network. The project took place in Moscow and involved the installation of 5G base stations. MTS plans to roll out its 5G network more widely in the coming years.

Corporate responsibility

MTS is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen. The company focuses on three areas of corporate responsibility: social, environmental, and governance.

Social responsibility

MTS is committed to improving the lives of people in the communities where it operates. The company has several programs in place to support education, healthcare, and social welfare. MTS's "Together Against Childhood Cancer" program, for example, provides financial assistance to families with children undergoing cancer treatment.

Environmental responsibility

MTS is committed to reducing its environmental impact. The company has several programs in place to reduce its carbon footprint, promote energy efficiency, and manage waste. MTS is also committed to increasing the use of renewable energy sources. The company has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025.

Governance

MTS is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. The company has a board of directors and a set of policies and procedures in place to ensure that it operates in a transparent and ethical manner. MTS is also committed to complying with all relevant laws and regulations in the countries where it operates.

Financial performance

MTS has a strong financial performance. In 2020, the company reported total revenue of RUB 456.6 billion (approximately $6.2 billion) and net income of RUB 87.7 billion (approximately $1.2 billion). The company's mobile business accounted for the majority of its revenue.

MTS has a strong balance sheet, with total assets of RUB 1.1 trillion (approximately $15 billion) and total equity of RUB 472.4 billion (approximately $6.4 billion) as of the end of 2020. The company also has a strong credit rating, with a BBB- rating from Standard & Poor's and a Baa3 rating from Moody's.

MTS has a strong track record of generating cash flow. The company generated free cash flow of RUB 79.4 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) in 2020. MTS has used its cash flow to invest in its business and to return value to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.

Conclusion

MTS is a major telecommunications company in Russia and the CIS. The company offers a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, cable TV, and content services. MTS has a strong track record of innovation and corporate responsibility. The company is committed to improving the lives of people in the communities where it operates, reducing its environmental impact, and maintaining high standards of corporate governance. MTS has a strong financial performance and a strong balance sheet, with a strong credit rating and a track record of generating cash flow.