Russia has begun preparations for the deployment of hybrid networks that will allow regular smartphone users to connect to satellite communications. In this respect reports Izvestia publication, excerpt from materials from the State Commission on Radio Frequencies (SCRF).
From the SCRF documents it appears that frequencies for testing in the ranges 1950 to 1965 MHz (for transmitting data from Earth to satellites) and 2140 to 2155 MHz (for returning signals from space to Earth) could be allocated as early as March 2024. . The first telecom operator to access them will be MTS.
MTS did not comment on this initiative, but Tele2 and Megafon noted that they were also looking at this technology. Tele2 believes that hybrid communication will expand the service area for users who have problems connecting to the traditional mobile network.
It is reported that you will need a normal 5G-supported smartphone without a special satellite communication module to connect to such networks. The technology, as interpreted by Russian operators, will allow users to communicate with remote areas of the country, but the speed of the Internet connection will be relatively modest: up to 20 Mbit/s at peak.
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