MTS, a major Russian mobile operator, is seeking to counter growing competition from Skype, says Vedomosti daily.

      The company filed a request with the Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications watchdog, to extend its regulation over the so called over the top services, like Skype.

      MTS wants these companies to be officially recognized as market players and be subject to the same industry regulations that it has to abide by.

      The move has been backed by the two other major operators, Beeline and Megafon, but is likely to be rejected, experts say.