“Azercell Telecom” JV announced "Company of the year" in two nominations.

Baku, November 24, 2006

In order to determine the best company and enterprise, which take an active part in Azerbaijan’s socio-economic life, Consulting and Business magazine founded national prize “Company of the Year” in field of business in 2006. This year “Azercell Telecom” JV has won in two nominations - “Corporative Social Responsibility” and “Telecommunication company of the year”.

On November 19 the presentation was held in Gulustan Palace to present the prize to the companies-winners.

Goal of the prize awarding is to encourage the companies, which have achieved significant success in various fields of economy and contributed to integration into world economy and raising welfare of population, as well as to draw attention of publicity to leading Azerbaijani companies, which have developed business technologies up to world standards.

Then it has been announced that the national prize “Company of The Year” in the nomination “Corporative Social Responsibility” is awarded to “Azercell Telecom” JV. Before the prize awarding the video film devoted to the winner and the company’s activities has been shown on the monitors installed in the presentation hall.

“In the modern world one of the advantages that raises image of leading companies is that social responsibility is among their priorities. During 9.5 years of its activities in the country “Azercell Telecom” JV has spent a total of $5 million for sponsorship and charitable activities. Next year Azercell will mark ten years of its sponsorship of “Umid Yeri” (House of Hope) children’s home. It is the duty for the company to provide assistance to refugees and internally displaced people, orphans and low-income section of population. “Azercell Telecom” JV also takes care of development of culture, art, health, education, sports and environment protection, said Mr. A. Halim Ates, “Azercell Telecom” JV General Manager, during awarding of the prize and diploma.

Mr. Ates thanked founders of the prize and organizers of the ceremony and said that such a high assessment of the company’s activities stimulates the whole staff. “We always say: Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani people deserve the best! And “Azercell” always attempts to introduce the latest technologies in the telecommunication field and jointly with the whole republic creates the best in social, cultural and other fields. That is why such encouragement of our activities inspires us.”

“Azercell” is the first company, which was granted international certificate IIP - Investors In People - among Azerbaijani and CIS companies, which shows volume of investments in human resources.

“Azercell” has been also awarded the prize in the nomination “Telecommunication Company of the year”. It has been stressed at the prize awarding ceremony that number of subscribers of “Azercell Telecom” JV, which controls 77% Azerbaijan mobile communication market, has already exceeded 2.2 million. During the whole period of its activities the company has invested over $500 million in development of mobile communication in the country. Number of “Azercell” Express offices and other service and sales points of the company in Baku and regions is growing periodically and the company has over 1,000 radio bases. “Azercell” always makes happy its subscribers with new campaigns and projects and begins introduction of 3G technologies.

For the second time invited to the stage to receive the award Mr. Halim Ates thanked all, who have contributed to achievement of success, including all state agencies, which provide support to the company.