December 27th, Yerevan, Armenia – VivaCell-MTS, a subsidiary of Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” – NYSE: MBT), announces that today the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Armenia Mr. Vyacheslav Kovalenko visited VivaCell-MTS Headquarters and met with the Company General Manager Ralph Yirikian. Accompanied by VivaCell-MTS General Manager, the Ambassador walked through the Company’s key operational centers and familiarized himself with the staff. Ralph Yirikian presented the accomplishments of the Company in 2010 and also provided insights into the milestones of the Company in year 2011. At a special ceremony held in the Company, Ambassador Kovalenko awarded VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian with the governmental medal of the Russian Federation after Valeri Bryusov in recognition of outstanding contribution of Ralph Yirikian in developing and reinforcing the Armenian – Russian relationships in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. The Embassy of Russia in Armenia also acknowledges the outstanding personal contribution of VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian who has been leading the Company from its start-up in 2005 till date, when the Company is widely recognized as a symbol of corporate excellence. VivaCell-MTS was recognized for excellence in corporate performance and governance, continuous leadership in Corporate Responsibility, outstanding contributions to the Armenian economy. In the course of its operation, VivaCell-MTS delivered a consistently strong performance, offering innovative, affordable and quality products and services – the Company’s competitive advantage. VivaCell-MTS business performance as well as the Corporate Social Responsibility embracing culture, sports, education, science, health, local infrastructure and environment can serve as an example of how in a short period of time a young company can transfer best practices to Armenian business environment. Economic relations between Armenia and Russia are in the focus of attention of both governments, and VivaCell-MTS has provided a positive story of how a company with Russian capital can succeed in Armenia.

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