News
Tele2 combines with Altel to create a stronger third player in the market.
Tele2 on Tuesday announced it has completed its mobile joint venture with Kazakhtelecom, enabling to compete more effectively with its larger rivals.
The two telcos agreed to merge their mobile businesses last year and have now completed the deal, having received the required regulatory approvals.
Bringing together Altel, Kazakhtelecom’s mobile arm, and Tele2’s operations creates a mobile player with around 6 million subscribers and a market share of 23%, Tele2 said.
That still leaves the combined entity some way behind larger rivals Kcell, which is owned by TeliaSonera but is currently up for sale, and Vimpelcom’s Beeline. However, the added scale will make life easier for the number three operator.
The merger "will create a more sustainable and significant player in the market," said Tele2 chief executive officer Allison Kirkby.
"The process of integrating the businesses is well underway and the expected synergies will be beneficial for both our customers and shareholders," she said.
