VimpelCom and VimpelCom-Region merged on November 26, 2004 and in accordance with the Law on Communications, VimpelCom filed applications with the Regulator for the re-issuance of the licenses promptly thereafter.

In its letter, the Regulator explained that the list of communications services to be licensed and the related conditions of such licenses which shall apply to all operators, have not yet been approved by the Government of the Russian Federation as required by the Law on Communications. As a result, the Regulator suggested that in order to complete the re-issuance process in connection with the merger, VimpelCom should apply for the re-issuance of the licenses after the Government of the Russian Federation approves the list of services and related conditions. The Regulator specifically stated in the letter that VimpelCom has fulfilled the requirements of the Law on Communications. The Regulator also stated that until a decision on re-issuance of the licenses is taken, VimpelCom, as the legal successor to VimpelCom-Region, may fulfill obligations to render communications services in accordance with the conditions of VimpelCom-Region's licenses.

VimpelCom-Region held telecommunications licenses and related frequencies and permissions for the Central, Siberian, Volga, South and Northwest regions of Russia.

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