OREANDA-NEWS. August 13, 2008. Southern Telecommunications Company took out a patent for an industrial pattern of the telephone "Card Number One". The patent registered in the State register of industrial patterns of the Russian Federation gives to its holder – "Southern Telecommunications Company" PJSC – the exclusive right to use the name and symbolics of the brand "Card Number One", reported the press-centre of UTK.

The patented telephone card is a universal payment instrument for telecom services which can be used throughout the licensed territory of the Company in ten regions of the Southern federal district. "Card Number One" has unique consumer advantages. UTK’s customers can pay for all or any telecommunications services at any time in any region of the Southern federal district. A card that has been bought in one region, can be used in any other region of the Company’s operation. A card holder can transfer money to his (her) account both by phone and through the Internet on-line.

 "Card Number One" has been introduced as a payment instrument for telecom services provided by "Southern Telecommunications Company" PJSC since April 1, 2006. In 2007 the branches of "UTK" PJSC sold 2.4 million “Cards Number One”. Proceeds from payments for telecommunications services by means of a Uniform service card (ЕSК) accounted for more than 2.5% of total telecom revenue.