Smolensk branch of CenterTelecom, a part of the inter-regional company since December 1, 2002, is the oldest telecommunications company in Smolensk region. The branch is focused on its customers; it is responsive to their changing needs for telecommunications services and quality requirements. The branch's collective efforts are aimed at gradual and dynamic development of telecommunications services in all districts of the region.
In 2004 alone the branch put over 40,000 telephone numbers into operation; this is by 22,000 numbers more than in late 2003. The branch reported five times as much work within a year of joining CenterTelecom.
Smolensk branch of CenterTelecom is the leading company in the region in provision of a full range of telecommunications means and services. Currently, 90 out of every 100 families in the Smolensk region's cities have home telephone lines installed; 93 of 100 in Smolensk city have home telephone lines.
For three consecutive years, Smolensk City Telecommunications and Informatization Center (SCTIC) has been ranked first among regional telecommunications companies and was awarded the Smolensk City Banner.
As a socially responsible company, CenterTelecom and its Smolensk branch have continued installing telephone lines in rural districts despite unprofitability. All Smolensk region localities with over 50 inhabitants are provided with telephone connections. Currently the company is working on provision of telephone connections to localities with less than 50 inhabitants. Over 33% of families in rural localities have home telephone lines installed.
The branch implemented a program of free installation of telephone lines for veterans of World War II. By the 60th anniversary of Victory in World War II the branch had installed over 400 telephone lines for veterans and spent more than RUB2 million for that purpose. The company's initiative was recognized with a letter of gratitude from Smolensk Governor.
Smolensk branch is conducting a large scale reconstruction of the regional telephone network including replacement of outdated telephone exchanges with new digital ones. Recently such replacements were undertaken in Smolensk, Roslavl, Yartsev and Vyazma. The branch has removed the last analogue exchange from service in Smolensk and is replacing it with an electronic exchange. For the first time the branch has implemented a DECT radio access system in Smolensk city micro districts with complicated terrain. The new system provides a digital telephone channel without cable installation. The branch is actively building the latest traffic networks and laying optic fiber telecommunications lines for provision of Internet access, IP telephony services, multiservice and telematic services in all districts of the region.
Smolensk branch provides its subscribers with a full range of the latest telecommunications services based on modern digital technologies. The branch is the biggest provider of Internet access in Smolensk region and its capital. In 1H 2005 the company's Internet access subscribers numbered 50,000 people. The number of clients using an ISDN digital connection with fast high quality transmission of information is growing. Video telephony has received recognition from the public too; it is accessible to anyone through public call offices; telemedicine, a part of video telephony, is playing an important role in the public health sector.
Upgrade in technological base since late 2004 has allowed the branch to begin providing broadcasting services including data transmission and Internet access based on ADSL technology. Over 200 subscribers in Smolensk, Vyazma, Gagarin, Roslavl, Desnogorsk, Safonov and Yartsevo use these services.
Smolensk branch has provided a stable increase in telecommunications services amidst strong competition in the region; this confirms the company's fast reaction to market demand.