This study provides the latest research on the development of mobile communications in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) excluding Russia. Although CIS country markets vary in terms of pace of development and the level of maturity, all are characterized by low mobile penetration. This presents a major opportunity for both mobile operators and network equipment vendors and also reflects the low levels of income of the populations and the difficulties of doing business in the region.

This study includes a five-year forecast with data segmented into subscriber numbers split between pre-paid and contract. It also analyzes revenue divided into that generated by voice communications, SMS, and data communications. The study covers eleven countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan (Russia is not included in this study, as it will be fully analyzed in a separate study).

"The unsaturated mobile markets of the CIS region offer huge growth opportunities for operators and network equipment suppliers. On the other hand, unstable politics and a troublesome economic heritage make the regional business environment risky. To reduce that risk, providers should try to adapt their offerings to local users' needs, extend the service availability, and cooperate with local governments to encourage the establishment of a regulatory framework that offers equal opportunities to all market participants." ? Kre?imir Alic, Senior Analyst, IDC CEMA