VimpelCom became the latest operator to ink an alliance with an OTT messaging app player, announcing a partnership with WhatsApp covering multiple markets.

According to a VimpelCom statement released today, WhatsApp has “over 350 million monthly active users” (WhatsApp said it had reached 300 million in August 2013).

VimpelCom has 219 million mobile subscribers, in markets including Russia, Italy, Africa & Asia, Ukraine and CIS.

According to the operator,“the partnership with WhatsApp will enable VimpelCom to provide enhanced internet communication services within its bundled tariff plans, and to drive mobile internet usage and revenues”.

Customers will “enjoy innovative mobile messaging and social offers”, including full WhatsApp functionality including group messaging, picture sharing, video messages, voice messages, contacts and location.

The combined VimpelCom and WhatsApp offers have already launched in Bangladesh and Pakistan, with other VimpelCom markets to follow “in due course”.

“This partnership allows us to tap into VimpelCom’s market presence and continue WhatsApp’s significant growth as a world leader in mobile messaging, in important markets,” said Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp.