Russia is finally on the brink of a more concrete launch plan for commercial 5G, following years of delays and uncertainty. The Ministry of Digital Development has developed proposals that would grant the four main mobile operators in the country—MTS, MegaFon, Beeline, and T2—new spectrum in the 4.63–4.99 GHz range. Additionally, the proposals would permit the operators to use frequencies that have already been allocated for LTE. The framework would establish a definitive deadline for the introduction of 5G in Russia’s largest cities if it is approved by the State Commission on Radio Frequencies.
The proposal is a compromise between the government’s goal of putting 5G networks into operation and the economic and technical challenges that operators encounter when building them. The new spectrum would be provided at no cost; however, operators would be required to meet the specified coverage requirements and gradually transition to Russian-made telecommunications equipment.
90 MHz of New Spectrum for the Major Operators
Each of the four major operators would be allocated a 90 MHz block within the 4.63–4.99 GHz range under the proposed arrangement. Simultaneously, operators would be permitted to implement 5G using frequencies that they already possess for LTE.
The initial rollout could be significantly simplified by this second provision. Operators could integrate 5G capabilities into their existing infrastructure and spectrum, rather than an entirely separate network. Additionally, they would have the ability to use foreign equipment that was already installed prior to September 1, 2026.
The objective is to enable operators to transition from experimental 5G initiatives to commercial networks without the need to completely rebuild their mobile networks. This is achieved by combining existing infrastructure and new spectrum.
Why Russia Is Using 4.63–4.99 GHz
The most important question is as to why Russia has selected a relatively high frequency range rather than the 3.4–3.8 GHz band, which is widely recognized as one of the most suitable ranges for the deployment of large-scale 5G capabilities.
Security and military users occupy the 3.4–3.8 GHz spectrum in Russia. As a result, commercial operators are unable to be allocated the same spectrum that has served as the foundation for 5G networks in numerous other countries.
The 4.63–4.99 GHz range offers a viable alternative; however, it is not without its drawbacks. The coverage area of each base station is typically smaller at higher frequencies, and they are less effective at penetrating buildings. As a result, operators need to place base stations more densely if they want to achieve comparable coverage.
Industry estimates indicate that the selected range may necessitate 1.5 to 2 times as many base stations as a deployment in the 3.4–3.8 GHz frequency. This could considerably complicate the economics of 5G and directly increase the capital required to build the network.
Therefore, 4.63–4.99 GHz can deliver high-speed 5G. Rather, it is less convenient for establishing comprehensive, cost-effective coverage across a large city.
5G to Reach Million-Plus Cities by 2027
The government’s initial objective is also deliberately focused. Russia is not immediately promising nationwide 5G coverage. Instead, the priority is cities with populations exceeding one million.
5G services must be implemented in these cities by December 31, 2027, in accordance with the proposed timetable. Subsequently, coverage would gradually broaden, with an initial emphasis on the most frequently utilized regions.
Approximately 15% of the territory of the relevant cities is expected to be covered in the first year, with this figure expected to rise to approximately 50% by the third year. The full-scale deployment is anticipated to continue until 2031.
As a result, the initial commercial 5G networks in Russia are expected to be concentrated in regions with the highest demand for additional mobile capacity. Therefore, 5G may be implemented in densely populated areas, industrial zones, transportation hubs, and major business districts prior to its widespread implementation in entire cities.
Existing Infrastructure Could Speed Up the Launch
One of the more significant elements of the proposal is the principle of technological neutrality. Operators will be permitted to use their current LTE infrastructure and frequencies for 5G.
That could make the initial rollout considerably faster and cheaper. While existing spectrum can be dynamically used for newer-generation services, existing base stations have the potential to be upgraded rather than replaced.
Nevertheless, this method also implies that not all 5G connections will necessarily offer the same level of performance. An introduction to 5G can be achieved relatively quickly by using existing LTE frequencies. However, the larger 4.63–4.99 GHz allocation is anticipated to offer a significantly greater capacity.
The outcome could be a layered network where existing frequencies support initial service and new spectrum provides higher-capacity 5G in high-demand areas.
The Necessity of Domestic Equipment
Operators are required to gradually replace foreign telecommunications equipment with Russian-made equipment, which is another major condition associated with the free spectrum.
The transition is expected to start in 2027, at which point Russian base stations will constitute approximately 1% of the network. The proportion would gradually increase until it reaches 100% by 2031.
The upper portion of the new spectrum is subject to a temporary exception. According to reports, foreign equipment that operates within the 4.8–4.99 GHz frequency band may continue to be operational until January 1, 2029.
Another challenge arises as a result of this requirement, as Russia is obligated to simultaneously develop an adequate amount of domestic equipment to facilitate a substantial commercial 5G network. The problem is not merely the production of base stations; it is the guaranty that they will operate consistently within the specific frequency ranges that Russian operators have been allocated.
The Device Problem
There is also a concern regarding the consumer. The 4.63–4.99 GHz range is not as widely supported by smartphones as the more internationally common 5G bands.
The number of compatible devices in Russia is subject to significant variation, with some industry assessments estimating that only 5–20% of smartphones currently in use are compatible.
This implies that the initial 5G network may be operational before a significant number of Russian consumers have access to it. However, the support for the necessary frequencies should gradually become more widespread as consumers replace their older smartphones.
A Compromise After Years of Delays
Several postponements were already in place in Russia’s 5G implementation. The country had initially anticipated that 5G would be implemented in key cities much earlier. However, the timetable was repeatedly postponed due to the availability of suitable spectrum, security concerns, equipment issues, and disagreements over deployment costs.
The most recent proposal alters the equation by providing operators with spectrum without an auction fee, while simultaneously establishing explicit obligations regarding the localization of equipment and network construction.
Therefore, it is improbable that a nationwide 5G revolution will happen immediately. Rather, Russia seems to be favoring a controlled, gradual deployment, commencing with the most urgently needed locations and cities with a population exceeding one million.
The new framework provides Russian operators with a defined frequency range, a deployment deadline, and a clearer regulatory path, which they have been lacking for years. But the higher frequency, greater infrastructure requirements, and domestic equipment mandate mean that getting the network onto the map will be only the first step. The more significant obstacle will be the development of a 5G system that is sufficiently dense, affordable, and compatible with consumer devices to be considered a true mass-market technology.