MTS Launches OTT Service

Moscow, Russian Federation - Mobile TeleSystems PJSC ( MTS or the Company - NYSE: MBT; MOEX: MTSS), the leading telecommunications provider in Russia and the CIS, announces the launch of MTS Connect, an OTT (over-the-top) service for making calls, sending messages and sharing files based on Rich Communications Services (RCS) technology, on its mobile networks in Russia.

RCS is a global platform that enables the delivery of communication experiences beyond voice and SMS, providing consumers with instant messaging or chat, live video and file sharing across various devices, on any network 2G/3G/LTE or WiFi. By simply enabling RCS on their device, users can more broadly communicate with other RCS users through traditional mobile network products or via RCS.

Starting from December 14, 2015, the MTS Connect app will be available for download free of charge for MTS customers on iOS and Android smartphones in Moscow. In 2016, MTS plans to expand the service to other regions throughout Russia and the CIS.

MTS Connect users will see their regular contacts list in the app, while contacts of those who are also using MTS Connect will be highlighted. MTS connect users will be able to send files and messages to other users. Unlike many instant messengers, users will be identified through their mobile accounts which fully eliminates any risk of losing the access to the service due to hacking messenger accounts. Calls and messages on the MTS network via MTS connect will not be charged separately inside Russia or in international roaming. Mobile traffic generated by sending files via MTS connect inside Russia or in international roaming will be charged according to the data tariff plan, which the subscriber is using.

MTS's investments in the project, including the purchase of servers, development of the RCS app and enhancement of the equipment already installed on the operator's network, amounted to RUB 100 mln.

According to Infonetics Research consultancy, from 2012 2016 operators revenues from RCS will amount to $1.6 billion globally. Juniper Research consultancy forecasts that by 2018 the volume of messages sent globally using RCS will have increased to over 83 billion per year.

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For further information, please contact in Moscow:

Joshua B. Tulgan

Director, Department of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC

Tel: +7 495 223 2025

E-mail: ir@mts.ru

Learn more about MTS. Visit the official blog of the Investor Relations Department at www.mtsgsm.com/blog/

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Mobile TeleSystems PJSC ( MTS - NYSE:MBT; MOEX:MTSS) is the leading telecommunications group in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe. We provide wireless Internet access and fixed voice, broadband and pay-TV to over 100 million customers who value high-quality of service at a competitive price. Our wireless and fixed-line networks deliver best-in-class speeds and coverage throughout Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. To keep pace with evolving customer demand, we continue to grow through innovative products, investments in our market-leading retail platform, mobile payment services, e-commerce and IT solutions. For more information, please visit: www.mtsgsm.com.

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Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of MTS, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward looking statements by terms such as expect, believe, anticipate, estimate, intend, will, could, may or might, and the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. We do not undertake or intend to update these statements to reflect events and circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. We refer you to the documents MTS files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the Company's most recent Form 20-F. These documents contain and identify important factors, including those contained in the section captioned Risk Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the severity and duration of current economic and financial conditions, including volatility in interest and exchange rates, commodity and equity prices and the value of financial assets; the impact of Russian, U.S. and other foreign government programs to restore liquidity and stimulate national and global economies, our ability to maintain our current credit rating and the impact on our funding costs and competitive position if we do not do so, strategic actions, including acquisitions and dispositions and our success in integrating acquired businesses, potential fluctuations in quarterly results, our competitive environment, dependence on new service development and tariff structures, rapid technological and market change, acquisition strategy, risks associated with telecommunications infrastructure, governmental regulation of the telecommunications industries and other risks associated with operating in Russia and the CIS, volatility of stock price, financial risk management and future growth subject to risks.

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LINK:	http://www.mtsgsm.com/news/2015-12-07-94114...
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