How 5G Will Be Launched in Russia: The Digital Ministry's Proposal and the Roadmap to 2035
Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has proposed a plan for launching 5G networks. It allows the "Big Four" mobile operators (Beeline, Megafon, MTS, T2) to deploy 5G on existing 4G/LTE base stations and frequencies, and will allocate them the new 4.63–4.99 GHz band. A key element is "technological neutrality," permitting the use of foreign equipment until September 2026.
The new 4.63–4.99 GHz band is intended for more advanced services and industrial applications. However, a phased transition to Russian-made base stations will begin in 2027, with a target of at least 50% domestic equipment by 2030.
The rollout timeline aims for 5G in cities with over 1 million people by the end of 2027, expanding to 84 cities by 2035. Initial "5G Ready" service, operating over existing infrastructure, will offer minimal speed improvements. Significant speed gains (4-10x over LTE) will require the new band and corresponding equipment.
The plan addresses long-standing regulatory delays, including the military's hold on the global standard 3.4–3.8 GHz band. This forced Russia to adopt the 4.63–4.99 GHz range, overlapping with a Chinese band, making Chinese equipment a potential transitional solution.
The success of the rollout will depend on equipment supply and the pace of production localization, while a challenge lies in smartphone compatibility with this non-standard frequency band.
cryptonews.ru4 год тому
