ОРЕАНДА-НОВОСТИ. Tele2, an alternative mobile operator, and Tinkoff Bank, the second largest player in the Russian credit card market with a market share of 10.3%, have signed an agreement on the launch of mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).

Cooperation between the companies implies the launch of a new mobile virtual network operator with the use of Tele2’s network and infrastructure. Tinkoff Bank will launch a full-fledged MVNO with its own network code, number range and SIM cards. The company will offer its own tariffs and services to clients.

Services of a new MVNO will be available to both current Tinkoff’s customers and others. The company will deliver connection kits via its own agent network covering entire Russia.

This is not the first MVNO project for Tele2. In 2016, Rostelecom used the company’s network to launch its mobile virtual network operator. Tele2 is now looking at various scenarios of MVNO-based partnership with other companies.

Sergey Emdin, CEO at Tele2:

"Development of MVNO projects is one of the key directions for Tele2 development. As operator, we are ready to provide a high-quality network to our partners, extend our support and implement federal-scale projects. As a part of a new business strategy, Tele2 is planning to mastermind and play a key role in a new digital ecosystem based on mobile services. Partnership with Tinkoff Bank on the MVNO launch is another step in this direction. We see many opportunities for synergy between mobile operator and banking sector."

Oliver Hughes, CEO of Tinkoff Bank:

"We have recently been seeing finance and telecoms increasingly converging with each other lately. The launch of our own MVNO is a logical and timely addition to our range of products and services. This is part of our strategy to build a fully-fledged ecosystem based around our online platform Tinkoff.ru. The MVNO will leverage the core strengths and expertise of both our financial retail business and our best in class customer service to deliver great value for both our current customers and future mobile customers. It will significantly contribute to our value proposition. And we will even further improve customer experience to retain customers and build up our loyalty base. Furthermore, some cost synergies are expected by reducing servicing expenses. This new business arm is set to make yet another non-credit revenue pool for our business."