Augie Fabela, who was then a young entrepreneur from the US, and Dr. Zimin who was a Russian scientist in his 50s, together launched the Beeline brand.

PJSC VimpelCom is the third-largest wireless[6] and second-largest telecom[7][8] operator in Russia.

PJSC VimpelCom also acquired companies such as Russia-On-Line in 1999, Cityline and EDN Sovintel in 2001, and Corbina Telecom in 2006.

It had also acquired Global TeleSystems (GTS), SovAm Teleport, GlasNet, SLTMobitel, E-Mobile,[citation needed] and Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E..[13] In 1996[14] OJSC VimpelCom became the first Russian company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: VIP).

In October 2008 OJSC VimpelCom acquired a 49.9% stake in Euroset, the largest mobile retailer in Russia and the CIS.