Capturing the imagination

Mobile communications are rapidly converging with the Internet making wireless communications an integral part of human activities such as computing, banking, selling and purchasing goods, entertainment and sharing of information. The mobile phone is becoming more than just a useful extension of a conventional telephone. It is developing as a universally available and essential tool for an emerging new way of life — a tool that will break barriers between people, countries and continents. As capacity and data transfer speeds of the wireless Internet increase, not only will the wireless phone allow people to communicate any time, anywhere in the world, but it will also enable people to gain access to other resources, information and entertainment unreachable in the past. One can only imagine the enormous explosion of human energy and talent which will accompany mankind’s entrance into the information age.

The realization of technology potential in wireless communications has already begun in Russia and throughout the world. Some new features have been introduced while others are being tested and developed. VimpelCom is keeping pace with leading international telecommunications operators, achieving a breakthrough in SMS usage, introducing one of the most comprehensive WAP services and preparing for an early launch of GPRS. With the addition of these services, and with time, patience and consumer education, VimpelCom will offer the new, user–friendly products that will emerge to truly capture the imagination and significantly change our life styles.