After several years of discussions, Russian experts decided on 5G frequencies. The newspaper writes that they plan to use the frequency range from 4.4 to 4.99 GHz for this purpose in cities and densely populated areas in the Russian Federation. “News” with reference to the updated Radio Frequency Band Allocation Table.
The document was approved by the government at the end of January 2024. He emphasizes that this range is aimed at the development of communication networks based on promising technologies. At the same time, in the Russian Federation, such technologies include 5G and 6G.
According to an unnamed expert in frequency planning of cellular networks, thanks to this solution, the 4.4-4.99 GHz range will be distributed among mobile operators.
But first, authorities and businesses will need to transform the radio frequency spectrum. We are talking about cleaning equipment that is incompatible with cellular communications. It is also necessary to determine the conditions for the distribution of frequencies, including the rules of organizing a competition for providing them to one or another company.
“The implementation of 5G technology is included in the Communications Sector Development Strategy, it is necessary to choose a priority range for this. The issue is being discussed with operators and relevant departments,” the release said.
ComNews Research partner Leonid Konik noted that the decision to allocate new ranges for the networks is a good sign. As he said, only 10% of the spectrum is currently allocated to specific operators.
The expert added that the company shares about 80% of the spectrum with government agencies. At the same time, the latter has the preferential right to use them.
In response, TelecomDaily CEO Denis Kuskov noted the seriousness of the state’s intention to put 5G into operation before the end of the current decade. He reached this conclusion in connection with fixing the range for the operation of fifth-generation networks in a document that is one of the key documents for the entire industry.
However, Megafon representatives warned that the launch of 5G could take more than a year. At the same time, Tele2 noted the high cost of network development at 4.4–4.99 GHz frequencies compared to the 3.4–3.8 GHz range.
VimpelCom employees added that the Russian Federation has still not solved the problem of developing domestic equipment suitable for the frequencies in question. Moreover, the newspaper’s source in the communications market summarized that the launch of fifth-generation networks in border areas requires coordination with neighboring states.
Previously in the Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation in the name 5G launch dates.