Russia is accelerating its 5G rollout with plans to install domestic base stations in cities exceeding one million residents by 2025. This shift comes from statements reported by RIA Novosti, citing Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. The goal is to move from pilot deployments to wide scale production and nationwide coverage in the near term.
Chernyshenko indicated that mass production of 5G base stations will begin in 2025, with an initial distribution of about a thousand devices within the year. This is presented as a key milestone in the broader modernization of mobile networks and is tied to the government’s roadmap for modern and promising mobile communications networks. The plan envisions rapid expansion as infrastructure matures and domestic manufacturing scales up to meet national demand, ensuring faster rollout across major urban centers.
In the same year, antennas will start being installed in cities with populations over one million. A more extensive deployment is anticipated in 2026, which should see 5G operating in additional large cities across Russia. Chernyshenko explained that these steps are part of a sequential schedule laid out in the modernization roadmap for mobile communications networks, reflecting a staged approach to nationwide coverage and reliability improvements.
Further toward a wider national footprint, official drafts on the development of communications in Russia project that 5G services will be available in all cities with populations of 100,000 or more by 2035. The Ministry of Digital Development has indicated that frequency allocations for 5G will be determined by March 2024, setting the stage for spectrum planning and licensing that underpin the network’s expansion. The broader strategy emphasizes resilience, speed, and capacity to support future digital services and industry needs across the country as highlighted by government planning discussions and official documents cited by RIA Novosti.
The overall plan underscores a deliberate, phased approach to network modernization across urban and regional areas, aiming to align with international standards while leveraging domestic production capabilities. As the timetable unfolds, observers expect feedback from regional operators and technology partners to shape final implementation details, including equipment supply chains, installation schedules, and shared infrastructure opportunities across cities of varying sizes.
Industry analysts note that successful rollout will depend on coordinated efforts between government agencies, mobile operators, and equipment manufacturers. The timeline reflects not only technical readiness but also regulatory consistency, spectrum allocation, and investment in digital infrastructure that can support emerging services such as ultra-low latency applications, smart city solutions, and advanced mobile broadband. While the exact pacing may adjust in response to practical realities, the strategic emphasis remains clear: nationwide 5G access in Russia’s major urban centers first, followed by broader geographic coverage in the coming years as capacity and coverage expand. These developments are part of a long-term objective to modernize communications networks, enhance digital inclusion, and strengthen the country’s position in global technology ecosystems, according to official reporting and parliamentary briefings cited by RIA Novosti.