5G network coverage to expand in cities with a population of at least five million by 2026.
Cranking Up 5G in Russia
Get ready for a major upgrade! Russia's move towards next-gen 5G networks is accelerating at a rapid pace, with a special focus on bustling cities. Here's the lowdown on the latest developments in the 5G rollout.
Cities First
Brace yourself, city dwellers, as major metropolises like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Novosibirsk are expected to be the first recipients of the 5G wave. While the exact cities with a population over 500,000 are yet to be specified, these urban hubs are set to lead the charge of the 5G revolution.
Auction Time nearing
Keep your eyes peeled by the end of June, as Russia's telecom watchdog, GKRC, is gearing up to auction off frequencies in the prime 4.8-4.99 GHz range for 5G networks. The auction for these coveted lots is set to be officially announced no later than the final quarter of 2025.
Money Talks
Brace your wallets, as each stunning 5G frequency lot is projected to fetch a cool 20 billion rubles, with operators expecting to reap 25% back as a part of industry support measures! But that's a bill they're more than willing to foot, as they set their sights on ushering in a new era of hyper-connectedness.
Lights, Cameras, Action (or Construction, that is!)
By 2027, the winners of the auction will start building 5G networks in cities with over half a million citizens, aiming to have at least three cities up and running with lightning-fast internet. By 2035, this number is set to skyrocket to no less than 36 cities!
But that's not all! Companies will also need to extend their networks to smaller cities with populations over 100,000. By 2026, networks will be launched in 10 such cities, and by 2035, in 80!
Homegrown Tech Heroes
Russian operators have taken a leaf out of the homemade recipe book, signing contracts with domestic manufacturers to provide around 75,000 base stations by 2030. But, making everything local comes with its challenges, as companies race to resolve compatibility issues with existing foreign equipment.
The Race is On
While the path to a 5G-ified Russia is smoother sailing than anticipated, the design is still subject to tweaks based on the best practices of network construction that will emerge. As they say, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry—but at least we'll have lightning-fast internet to comfort us!
Stay Connected
Stay tuned for all the latest news and updates on the world of technology by following our channel, @expert_mag.
#Russia#Million-City#5G
In the fast-paced transition to a hyper-connected Russia, financial resources will play a significant role as each 5G frequency lot is estimated to fetch 20 billion rubles, with operators planning to invest a quarter of it as part of industry support measures. The Russian technology industry will also benefit from this shift, with domestic manufacturers contracted to provide around 75,000 base stations by 2030.
