Scartel, the Russian WiMAX provider operating under the Yota brand, plans to offer voice services in the near future as a logical consequence of its switch to LTE. The company has just obtained a license for such services and another one to operate as an MVNO.
Scartel is in discussions with Megafon, a major mobile operator, for countrywide coverage beyond the Yota network. Conversely, under agreements announced in late 2011, Megafon will be able to use Scartel’s equipment for its own LTE services.
Yota subscribers will be offered GSM/UMTS/LTE devices as soon as next summer, reported RIA Novosti, citing Scartel general manager Denis Sverdlov.
But mobile Internet access will remain Scartel’s core business, noted Sverdlov, with voice services developed only as a secondary activity.
