SES WORLD SKIES has announced VimpelCom has signed a capacity deal to meet the growing need for business communications capabilities throughout Russia.

Utilizing 36MHz of C-band capacity and the West Hemi beam aboard SES WORLD SKIES' NSS-9 satellite, VimpelCom gains the opportunity to significantly increase the volume of these services in Russia's Eastern Siberia and Far East.

Moreover, SES WORLD SKIES` NSS-9 will help to increase the capacity of VimpelCom's Beeline`s satellite network on Russian satellites, and will provide for the active development of its mobile network in the regions using Russian Express satellites.

"Businesses are expanding their networks and connectivity requirements to meet growing market demands in Russia's Eastern Siberia and Far East regions," explained Vladimir Philippov, Vice-President of IT, VimpelCom.

"SES WORLD SKIES has the expertise and an ideally positioned satellite in NSS-9 to enable us to make the most of key regional business opportunities in Russia as they grow and evolve."

"SES WORLD SKIES is aggressively and proactively investing in advanced satellites capable of delivering capacity and connectivity to some of the remotest regions and markets in the world," said Scott Sprague, Senior Vice President of Global Sales for SES WORLD SKIES.

"VimpelCom is an innovative leader in a region that represents exciting, emerging marketplaces with great potential for growth."