Russia 5G
Russian government to allocate 24.25-27.5 GHz band for 5G services (Russian made base stations)
The Russian Ministry of Digitization has proposed the allocation of the 24.25-27.5 GHz band [1.] for 5G services. The band is currently used by radio-relay stations. The 4 GHz band is also planned to be used by public networks, for 5G services.
Note 1. While WRC19 allocated the frequency bands of 24.25-27.5 GHz, 37-43.5 GHz, 45.5-47 GHz, 47.2-48.2 and 66-71 GHz for the deployment of 5G networks, ITU-R WP5D has not yet agreed on the revision of M.1036 – the Frequency Arrangements for Terrestrial IMT (including 5G).
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The Russian Ministry also proposed the conversion of the 4 GHz band to “civilian,” which will help Russian network operators simplify the necessary expertise for 5G networks and obtain guarantees of the use of the band. Part of the initiative is expected to go into effect in 2023. It will help improve Internet speed and facilitate the introduction of 5G in Russia.
In late June 2022, the Ministry of Digital Science reported that the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequency range [2.] will not be used for 5G networks. Instead, a frequency band of 4.8-4.9 GHz was chosen for Russia’s 5G networks.
Note 2. The Ministry noted that the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequency range is a priority for 5G, but in Russia it is occupied by other services, including power services. After the end of the ten-year licensing period in 2021, operators asked the State Commission on Radio Frequencies (GKRCH) to extend the licenses for another year so as not to abruptly disconnect customers. The SCRF extended the operators’ permission to use the frequencies until July 1, 2022. Rostelecom, MegaFon and VimpelCom filed a petition to extend the permit for frequencies of 3.4-3.8 GHz, used to provide wireless Internet access services using WiMAX technology, but were refused.
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The ministry also expects that the implementation of 5G networks will be carried out with network equipment of local origin. That edict was promulgated BEFORE sanctions on Russia for its war in Ukraine. In September 2021, the Ministry of Finance of Russia decided that by 2023 only Russian made base stations could be installed on the communication network. It is assumed that within 2-3 years mass production of such LTE standard stations will be organized, then it is planned to switch to 5G standard base stations.
References:
https://tadviser.com/index.php/Article:Frequencies_for_5G_in_Russia
WRC 19 Wrap-up: Additional spectrum allocations agreed for IMT-2020 (5G mobile)