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A plan to reform Russia’s telecom strategy through 2035 will include a prohibition on the use of the so-called gold band for 5G services. This was stated by Maksut Shadayev, head of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, in remarks reported by TASS. The move signals a shift to reorganize how the 5G spectrum is allocated and used across the country.

Shadayev clarified that the draft strategy will ban the gold range, while other spectrum bands will remain eligible for 5G deployment. He pointed to the 4400-4990 MHz segment as an example of bands that will continue to support 5G networks, ensuring continued capacity and performance in the country’s digital infrastructure.

On June 29, Kommersant cited the Ministry of Digital Development as indicating that Russia could establish a single 5G radio frequency operator with access to the gold band spanning 3.4-3.8 GHz. The publication suggested that the state would create one dominant 5G operator, empowered with the spectrum needed to deliver the highest possible data rates and network performance.

Earlier, Igor Shuvalov, the head of the state corporation VEB.RF, stated that work had begun to deploy 5G base stations in Moscow’s metro. He noted that domestically designed equipment would be used for base stations within the metropolitan transit system, underscoring a push to expand 5G access in major urban corridors with locally developed technology.

A different note from prior reports highlighted concerns about cybersecurity, recalling that many Russians faced password vulnerabilities that could be cracked quickly. This reminder underscores the importance of robust security measures alongside the rollout of advanced communication networks, as the nation expands its digital capabilities and user protections.