Russian Press

The company is currently negotiating for its QIP Internet service to use Sky Link number capacity. Like Skype, QIP makes it possible to call mobile and fixed-line numbers, while paying only for Internet traffic.

Voice over Internet-protocol (VoIP) is gaining popularity worldwide. One of the best known alternative communication services is Skype. In Russia, it allows users both to make computer-to-computer calls (for free) and to call from a computer to either a fixed-line or a mobile number (at low rates). For example, a Skype call from Russia to a fixed-line in Italy costs $0.02, including VAT, per minute, and $0.28 plus VAT to a mobile number.

Skype can also be installed on smartphones and used to make calls via 3G or Wi-Fi networks. One drawback in Russia is that Skype has so far failed to enable incoming calls from ordinary telephones, notes Jean Jacques Sahel, Skype’s European director for government and regulatory affairs, although it is common in other countries.

The latest version of QIP

The latest version of QIP was released in September 2010: it enables users to maintain voice and video communication. Mango Telecom makes this link between QIP and telephone networks possible – but to date, like Skype, it is a one-way street: QIP calls go only to ordinary phones, not the other way round.

Mikhail Gurevich, Mediamir director, downplayed these rumors, saying “there is nothing yet to report.” But Sky Link spokesperson Olga Pestereva has confirmed that RBK has indeed approached them and that the project is in the early stages. “Given the right profit margin, we are prepared to discuss any MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) project,” Pestereva said. Yury Zigulya, in charge of the Mango Telecom project, does not rule out that a full-blooded Mediamir VoIP project will get off the ground before the year’s end. VedomostiRussia: the iPad is coming

Apple likes to launch its product at authorized stores where there is wireless Internet and well-trained personnel, explained another Apple partner. He added that the iPad might become available later at other retailers. MTS and VimpleCom say negotiations are underway with Apple on this issue. Tuch says his chain will not be selling the Apple iPad – instead promoting the Samsung Galaxy Tab.