Telecoms operators from Russia's 'big four' will be able to use 'old' infrastructure and frequencies for 5G networks
MOSCOW. Aug 26 (Interfax) - Telecoms operators from Russia's "big four", which includes VimpelCom , MegaFon , MTS and T2, will be able to use their existing mobile network infrastructure and radio frequency ranges to roll out 5G networks, and will also be able to receive new frequency bands in the range of 4630-4990 MHz, the Russian Digital Development Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry created this proposal based on the outcomes of its discussions on building 5G networks with operators and relevant ministries. The Russian State Commission for Radio Frequencies plans to discuss the proposal at its next meeting.
The Digital Development Ministry said in its statement that if the proposal were to be adopted, operators would be able to launch 5G networks using the frequency ranges that were allocated to them for setting up LTE (4G) networks. The companies will also be able to use the foreign equipment which they already have, providing it was already installed on their networks before September 1, 2026.
The ministry said that operators would be required to begin a gradual transition to using 5G base stations produced in Russia starting from 2027, until the end of 2031.
It also said that the allocation of new frequencies in the 4.63-4.99 GHz range to operators would allow them to "roll out high-performance networks and set up new services, including for use in industry".
According to the ministry's plan, the 5G networks should be launched in million-plus cities no later than December 31, 2027. The operators will be expected to deploy the new frequencies to cover 5G networks "in the most popular million-plus city locations".
The Digital Development Ministry planned an auction for 5G network frequencies in 2025, featuring two lots in the 4800-4990 MHz frequency band. It planned to place a series of encumbrances on the operators, relating to the coverage of million-plus cities and the number of base stations installed.
The outcome of the auction was to be decided no later than December 31, 2025; however, the ministry repealed the corresponding decree, as Vladimir Rodionov, head of the licensing department of communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, said in October.
It was reported that the auction was cancelled after operators, who did not agree with the initial parameters, requested that the terms be changed.
Operators said that the range offered at auction could be used as an additional frequency band, but they prioritized the "golden band" of 3.4-3.8 GHz. Two key disadvantages of the former are that customer equipment is not widely available and the base stations for this frequency have a short range, requiring more of them to be built and more funds invested. Operators estimated that the payback period of networks in this frequency range would be 20-30 years.
