Leading Russian cellco Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has reportedly stalled development of its i-mode service, following lower than expected uptake.

Local press reports that a shortage of compatible handsets has stunted growth of the NTT DoCoMo developed technology.

MTS is understood to be planning to monitor the situation until September before deciding on how to proceed with the initiative.

MTS launched i-mode in September last year, making it the eleventh market to launch the service outside of Japan.