The Russian telco Rostelecom is looking into the possibility of entering the Ukrainian market through the acquisition of Datagroup, one of the country’s leading ISPs.
According to Mediasat and RBK, the telco is also exploring a number of other possible options and is generally keen to enter the Ukrainian fixed line – though especially broadband – sector.
Rostelecom was unable to participate in the privatisation of the Ukrainian incumbent Ukrtelekom last year and its strategy for the period 2008-12 prioritises expansion in the CIS countries.
Broadband internet penetration in Ukraine stood at 17.9% as of the end of 2010, while in Russia it stood at 36% in Q1 this year.
Rostelcom is a leading player in Russia’s pay-TV industry through its six regional telco subsidiaries, which had a combined total of 900,000 subscribers at the end of 2010.