Commercial 5G service has begun in Russia, with four major mobile operators activating their networks in 16 major cities. All four operators offer the service in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, while coverage in other major cities varies by operator.
The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media said the 5G networks were established on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin. Authorities say the regular mobile internet shutdowns in the country are intended to prevent daily Ukrainian drone attacks.
Service expansion to 50 cities planned
The ministry aims to expand 5G coverage to 50 cities by the end of the year. Russia’s 4G mobile networks cover 90 percent of its inhabited territory, while domestic mobile internet traffic has more than tripled over the past six years.
The 5G service, which began on Friday, is intended to provide high-speed internet access to 10 million people.
Military-controlled frequencies caused delays
The rollout of 5G in Russia was long delayed because the 3.4–3.8 gigahertz frequency range used internationally for the technology is controlled by the military and security agencies. Telecommunications companies’ attempts to gain access to those frequencies were unsuccessful.
Operators are being permitted to use the 4.63–4.99 gigahertz range for 5G service. As a result, iPhone models that operate on lower frequencies will be unable to connect to 5G in Russia.
The Ministry of Digital Development said Android users would gain access to 5G soon. Access for iPhone users will depend on Apple’s decision.
Nokia and Ericsson’s departure extended the process
The delay in implementing 5G was also driven by the long-running frequency dispute between mobile operators and security agencies, as well as Nokia and Ericsson’s withdrawal from Russia after the war in Ukraine began.
