Russia is moving forward with plans to roll out hybrid communication networks that would let everyday smartphone users tap into satellite services. This development is based on materials from the State Commission on Radio Frequencies (SCRF) and reported by Izvestia, citing these official documents as evidence.
According to SCRF records, testing frequencies in the 1950 to 1965 MHz band for uplink from Earth to satellites and in the 2140 to 2155 MHz band for downlink from space to Earth could be allocated as early as March 2024. The first telecom operator slated to gain access to these bands appears to be MTS.
While MTS has refrained from commenting on the initiative, Tele2 and Megafon indicated they are evaluating the technology. Tele2 suggested that hybrid communication could broaden service coverage in areas where traditional mobile networks struggle, potentially improving connectivity for users in remote or rural locations.
Current descriptions from Russian operators indicate that a standard 5G-capable smartphone, without any dedicated satellite module, would be able to connect to these hybrid networks. The implementation, as outlined by operators, envisions extending reach to remote regions while delivering modest internet speeds, with peak data rates around 20 Mbit/s.
In related industry news, Russia has previously showcased a Microgas turbine engine designed to power high-speed drones, reflecting a broader interest in advancing airborne and satellite-linked technologies.