The Serbian government plans to free-float its Serbian Telecom Organisation in the first quarter of 2009, the country's Finance Minister said yesterday.

The minister also stated that the operator's current market value is estimated at EUR 4 billion, Reporter.gr informs.

Greek Telecoms Operator OTE holds a 20% stake in Serbia Telecom. OTE has stated in the past that it would be willing to further increase its stake.

Analysts point out that if the total value of Serbia Telecom is at EUR 4 billion, the market value of OTE stake reaches EUR 800 million, versus the current book value of EUR 120 million.

The Serbian government plans to collect EUR 30 billion from privatizations in 2009-2010.