Ucom
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Yerevan , Armenia |
Area served | Armenia, Georgia, Middle East (transit internet services) |
Key people | Gurgen Khachatryan (Chairman of the Board), Ralph Yirikian (General Director), Arina Arustamyan (Director of Commercial Operations) |
| Products | Mobile network operator services, Internet service provider, IPTV, fixed-line telephony, mobile telephony, internet access |
Number of employees | 1160 (2020) |
Ucom operates as a mobile network operator and internet service provider headquartered in Yerevan, Armenia.
History
Established in 2009, Ucom provides Internet connectivity through its proprietary fiber-optic line linking Armenia with Georgia, facilitating transit internet services towards the Middle East. In 2013, the company secured a license to offer public mobile internet services. Two years later, in 2015, Ucom fully acquired Orange Armenia, marking its entry into the Armenian mobile telecommunications sector. Following this acquisition, Ucom launched the country’s 4G+ network and introduced a bundled "4 in 1" service package that includes IPTV, fixed-line and mobile telephony, alongside internet access.
In 2017, Ucom collaborated with Calix to deploy NG-PON2 (New Generation Passive Optical Network) technology within Armenia, increasing bandwidth capacity from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps. This advancement significantly improved service speed, reliability, security, and enabled the introduction of new product offerings.
That same year, Ucom entered into a strategic partnership with FORA-BANK (a member of Tashir Group) aimed at expanding telecommunications coverage throughout Armenia, particularly targeting rural regions. The investment supported the growth of 4Play services and the expansion of the 4G+ network. Looking ahead, Ucom plans to extend its footprint into Russia, aspiring to become a leading pan-Armenian telecom operator.
Ucom has actively contributed to corporate social responsibility projects emphasizing education and social welfare. It financed computer engineering laboratories in Armenian schools to promote ICT skills development and administers the "Let's Keep Children in Families" SMS-based charity initiative designed to help vulnerable families achieve sustainable income sources. Additionally, the "Bringing Sight to Armenian Eyes" program offers complimentary ophthalmology services to residents in regional areas.
Labour strike
On April 9, 2020, reports emerged indicating that the entire management and technical workforce of Ucom—approximately 60 employees—had tendered their resignations.
Cause of controversy
Media outlets linked this upheaval to conflicts involving Ucom’s 3.17% shareholder and then-Director General Hayk Yesayan, contrasted against other shareholders as outlined in the publicly accessible Ucom Prospectus.
During a Board meeting on April 14, 2020, Ara Sergei Khachatryan was named Director General and officially registered with the RA Ministry of Justice. Share ownership remained unchanged. Despite roughly 500 employees—including senior and middle management—submitting resignations, most returned under Khachatryan’s leadership during this crisis period.
Further developments
Hayk and Alexander Yesayan announced their intention not to divest their shares and proposed approximately US$17 million to purchase the remaining 94% stake. The Board did not provide a response to this bid.
By May 14, 2020, Ucom maintained operations with a workforce of 1,160 employees who absorbed responsibilities left vacant by the 520 staff members who had departed by that time. The company streamlined its business processes by emphasizing internal promotions and recruiting new personnel to fill open positions.[1]
Current
- Gurgen Khachatryan – Chairman of the Board
- Ralph Yirikian – General Director
- Arina Arustamyan – Director of Commercial Operations
Former
- Hayk Yesayan – General Director
- Alexandr Yesayan – Deputy General Director and Development Lead
- Aram Barseghyan – Director of Commercial Affairs
- Karen Shaboyan – Sales Department Head