Mobile Tele Systems (MTS, NYSE: MBT) has announced establishment of a direct connection between Armenia and Russia, MSKIT.ru reported.

“Direct connection will ensure 10% reduction of traffic termination costs and guarantee high quality of international voice traffic,” said Evgeny Moskalev, MTS Director for Convergence.

MTS obtained a license for long distance communications in 2006. In November 2008, the company commissioned long distance communication network and obtained a permit from the RF Ministry of Telecommunications and Mass Media for internal and long distance traffic transfer through its own network. As a result, it has become possible for the company to establish direct connections with global operators. Previously, according to regulations in force, MTS had to transfer international traffic through long distance operators that in their turn established connections with global operators.