Rostelecom owns and operates Sky Link in its domestic market, and could exchange this and make an additional cash payment for a stake in Tele 2’s Russian business.
Another option touted could see a partnership between both operators which would create a new entity in the country, and combine all the mobile assets of Rostelecom and Tele2 Russia, including 4G licences. This would give both companies an equal 50% stake.
Both companies declined to comment on the rumour, which was published in a daily Russian newspaper, citing an unnamed source.
Tele2 has 21.6 million subscribers, and is Russia’s fourth largest operator, presently ahead of Rostelecom which has 12.9 million users.
