Leading Russian mobile operator Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) said Thursday it has extended coverage of its 3G network to Siberia and the Russian Far East.

This week, the operator switched on HSPA-enabled services in Novosibirsk, Norilsk and Vladivostok.

MTS launched 3G services in Russia in May, and plans to launch 3G in 14 cities during 2008 and in up to 40 cities through 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.

MTS also holds 3G licenses in Uzbekistan and Armenia, where the networks are scheduled for launch in 2009.