Swedish telecommunications operator Tele2 (TEL2-B.SK) intends to do its own research on the fourth generation Long Term Evolution, or LTE, network in Russia, and is hoping to get permission from the Russian government to develop this advanced high-speed mobile network in Russia, Russian business daily Kommersant reported.

The new 4G standard will allow for a higher speed communication via mobile phones and will require both large investments and the clearing of frequencies.

To get access to this new standard and to build a network Tele2 is seeking permission from the government to organize two test LTE zones in Pskov and Omsk regions.

Tele2 has been left out of the 4G consortium responsible for research on developing LTE networks in Russia despite its efforts to enter it. The consortium consists of the big three mobile operators -- Mobile TeleSystems (MBT), Vimpelcom Ltd. (VIP) and Megafon (MGF.YY)-- plus state-owned Rostelecom (RTKM.RS).

Newspaper Web site: http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1799693

-By Moscow Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; +7 495 232 9192