Ukrtelecom Boosts Network Development.

Ukrtelecom (UTEL: HOLD) has finished the construction of a fiber optic network connecting cities in southern Ukraine. Now the modernized main line (with a maximum capacity of 80 Gbps) connects all the regional centers of Ukraine. Ukrtelecom also published a list of companies that qualified for a tender to supply UMTS equipment for UTEL’s mobile G3 network. UTEL is going to spend USD 0.7 bln on mobile network development by 2010.  Concorde Capital: Network development is among UTEL main strengths, while its marketing policy is relatively weak. This leads to the under-utilization of UTEL’s modern capacities. If UTEL is privatized in 2006, this would usher in a new strategic investor, which would increase the utilization of the company’s technical equipment.