A recent meeting of Russia’s State Commission for Radio Frequencies (SCRF) under the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications & Mass Media resolved to transfer millimetre wave (mmWave) frequencies in the 24.25GHz-27.5GHz band from existing radio relay station usage to 5G access networks, TelecomDaily reported. The Ministry has developed proposals for amending the national frequency table in accordance with the resolution. Furthermore, a resolution was reached to proceed with plans to allocate the ‘4GHz’ band to public wireless services usage to help support network operators’ 5G rollouts. Initiatives may comeforce from 2023 onwards. The Ministry also clarified that all such developments should be implemented using Russian-produced base stations only.

TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that only a small part of the mmWave band has so far been released for 5G: in July 2020 MTS was awarded a commercial nationwide 5G mmWave licence in the 24.25GHz-24.65GHz band (within the ‘n258/26000’ official band), valid for five years, although MTS admitted that requirements for Russian-produced equipment might restrict its development of services in the band. Temporary trial 5G permits have meanwhile been issued for other frequencies in the 25.25GHz-27.5GHz range, supporting pilot/test networks for operators including MTS, MegaFon, Rostelecom/Tele2 and Beeline, while MTS currently operates a 4.9GHz 5G user pilot in several cities. Furthermore, in December 2021 the SCRF allocated the 4400MHz-4555MHz and 4630MHz-4990MHz bands to the multi-operator New Digital Solutions joint venture under a two-year test permit.