VivaCell-MTS has launched a commercial test operation of the first 4G/LTE (Long Term Evolution) network in Armenia.

VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said that the company decided in December 2009 to include introduction of LTE network in its development plan in Armenia and negotiated with equipment suppliers, as well as obtained relevant frequencies to this end.

“The network in test operation will be available from today up to March 2011 at Yerevan Arabkir district and downtown. Hopefully, the network will become available for wide masses from the beginning of April. We plan to launch the network in Gyumri and Vanadzor in 2011, after which it will be distributed throughout the country,” he said.

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, who was present at the network launch, noted for his part that the event is consonant with the governmental program on assistance to information technologies development in the country.

“I strongly believe that the novelty will serve as a stimulus for IT development in Armenia. It is not a secret that two years ago we were behind our neighbors by indices in this field, but now we have recorded a considerable progress,” Mr. Sargsyan said.

Armenia is the 10th country in the world and 1st in the region, which has launched LTE network. Erisson company has supplied 4G complex solution to the company, including equipment for radio access, as well as Mobile Backhaul and Evolved Packet Core.