Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (MTS),  the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, has been named as one of the BRANDZ Top 100 Most Powerful Brands in a ranking published by the Financial Times and market research and consulting firm, Millward Brown. MTS is the first Russian company to appear in the ranking. 
MTS says its debut among the Top 100 Most Powerful Brands is due to the companys continued strong growth and market leadership position in the Russian and CIS markets. MTS operates in Russia and five other CIS markets, which are among the worlds fastest growing economies with record rates of GDP growth. 
MTS launched its current brand in 2006. It has built the largest network in the CIS, With over 85 million subscribers, out of total population of 230 million in the markets in which it operates, and offers the largest coverage area in the region.
We operate in markets that span 11 time zones and cater to a wide range of languages, cultures and income levels, says MTS Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Cynthia Gordon. We are thankful to our customers and their loyalty to MTS, which has allowed us to create an iconic brand that transcends national boundaries and meets our customers disparate expectations. Inclusion in the Top 100 Most Powerful Brands is a testament to our leadership in the CIS, and proves that companies from high growth developing markets can become truly international brands.
MTS enters the Top 100 Most Powerful Brands ranking at 89th place with a Brand Value of $8.08 billion (4.07 billion). To arrive at this figure, Millward Brown Optimor establishes companies intangible earnings and allocates them to individual brands and countries of operation. 
MTS has the highest Brand Momentum score of 10, which means that it is in the top 10% of all brands in the ranking by the short term growth rate. The Brand Momentum indicator is obtained by projecting brand value forward, based on market valuations, the brands risk profile and its growth potential. To facilitate further growth and recognition of the brand, MTS recently adopted new Brand Standards to communicate the brand consistently in all messaging, and launched a new slogan Operator Svyazi to reinforce its perception as a strong, trustworthy and quality-focused company.