Vodafone and Russia’s MTS will roll out 3G and develop a number of new services in Ukraine using the Vodafone brand as they look to “expand the scope” of their strategic partner market agreement in the country.

The launch of 3G services will start in the coming months and “will include the transition of MTS’s retail outlets and the majority of its dealerships”.

Vodafone will advise on network operation and optimisation, as well as the introduction of 3G services, including music and games applications.

It will also introduce services like bundled offers, long-distance international calls and “worry-free roaming”.

Vodafone partner markets chief executive, Stefano Gastaut, said MTS Ukraine is “building a high quality 3G network, which means Vodafone will launch in a strong position in the market” adding that the focus will be on “a successful launch of 3G data services and greater adoption of the mobile internet.”

Unsurprisingly, the Vodafone brand will only be used in the part of the country that is under the direct control of the Ukrainian government.

Both companies have been working together since the original partner market agreement was signed in 2008.