The Belarussian government is reportedly set to nationalise 30.9% in the cellular operator Mobile Digital Communications (MTsS, Velcom trademark's owner).

The Cypriot SB Telecom owns 49% in the operator, leaving BeltekHexport with 20% and the state with 31%.

According to a government source, 20.9% from the SB Telecom stake and 10% from BeltekHexport 's share will be transferred to the state free of charge.

Although grounds for the hand-over are not clear, companies that stand to lose part of their property will hardly counter the government, market players said.

(NewsBase 21.v.04)