Aquafon

Aquafon (Russian Аквафон / Akwafon, Abkhaz Аҟəафон / Aqwafon ) is the self-proclaimed biggest mobile operator in the internationally recognized by only a few States the Republic of Abkhazia.

Name

The name Aquafon is an allusion to the name of the Abkhazian seaside capital Sukhumi: Aqwa ( Аҟəа ) and the Latin name for water, Aqua.

History

Aquafon was founded on 6 March 2003 and launched its services on 13 July of the same year. By April 2007 the number of subscribers grew to 50,000 by 2008, to 80,000. In the summer of 2008 Aquafon launched its GPRS offer and on September 30 a UMTS network.

Ownership

51% of Aquafon include the Mondeo Holdings, based in the British Virgin Islands. Mondeo Holdings is a 100 % owned subsidiary of ComTel Eastern headquartered in Bermuda. ComTel Eastern also holds shares in the Russian mobile operator MegaFon.

Competitor

Aquafon was a monopolist in mobile communications in Abkhazia until 2006 the rival A- Mobile launched its services.

Motto

The motto of Aquafon is " Будь на связи! " (Russian ) or " Аимадара умырӡын! " ( Abkhaz ).