Russian operator Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) switched on its 3G network in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday, announcing the commercial availability of high speed wireless services in Russia.

The company plans to launch additional 3G networks in over 10 cities during 2008 and in up to 40 cities in Russia through 2009.

MTS also holds 3G licenses in Uzbekistan and Armenia, where it expects to launch 3G in 2009.

The company said it plans to invest around $1.6bn in 3G network development over the next three years to provide high speed data services to its customers in Russia and the CIS. The services MTS is making available include video calls and mobile TV, as well as wireless broadband modems for both laptops and desktop PCs.

“With the launch of 3G networks in major regions of Russia, MTS is starting a new phase in the development of telecommunications in the CIS. We are keen to offer 3G services to our customers, as we see great demand for data and broadband solutions in Russia,” said Mikhail Shamolin, CEO of MTS Russia. “We believe that conditions for the 3G launch in Russia are more favorable than in the developed markets. Today’s HSPA-enabled infrastructure allows download speeds up to 10 times faster than the first phase of 3G networks, while the costs for equipment and devices are significantly cheaper. We have access to best-practice implementation from around the world and our 3G network benefits from higher-quality and more advanced mobile services and devices.”