The two have collaborated on procurement, marketing and network operations since 2008.
Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), Russia’s largest mobile operator and provider of media and digital services, and Vodafone Group have extended their strategic partnership to 2023.
The new agreement builds on their “successful track record of close collaboration across procurement [which Vodafone handles centrally from Luxembourg], marketing, and network operations that stretches back to 2008”, according to a press statement.
Future visions
The extended agreement “envisions” a series of joint projects to identify “new opportunities to enhance MTS’s business operations, drive technology innovation, and strengthen strategic execution across the consumer and enterprise segments”.
Vodafone and MTS intend to share best practices in strategically important areas, including approaches to accelerating digital transformation and speeding up the launch new products and solutions.
The agreement also gives MTS access to Vodafone’s “scale and expertise across network and IT management, supply chain and equipment procurement”.
Faster to market
Alexander Gorbunov, MTS Vice President for Strategy and Development, commented: “Partnering with Vodafone unlocks new opportunities for MTS to leverage our partner’s expertise toward enhancing our operations and business productivity.
“Over the past 12 years, our strategic partnership with Vodafone has delivered significant benefits, saving MTS time and resources as we executed on key infrastructure projects, as well as improving our network development and enhancing our product launches.”
Diego Massidda, CEO, Partner Markets at Vodafone Group added: “This next phase of our strategic partnership will focus on projects where our market knowledge and global expertise can deliver incremental value to MTS’s business goals across its operations.”