11 May 2021
Russian telecom MTS launched the country’s first user pilot 5G network in the 4.9GHz band across 14 locations in Moscow, using Chinese Huawei’s telecom equipment.
Subscribers using 5G-compatible smartphones will be able to connect to 5G Internet at speeds up to 1.5 Gbps, the firm said in a press release. However, users will not be able to independently connect to pilot zones, the company said and added that the selection of participants in the pilot project using smartphones with support for the n79 range will be carried out on basis analysis of data in their movement, proximity to pilot locations, internet traffic, among others.
MTS also said the number of 5G zones and consequently, the coverage will increase over time. However, no further information was provided.
At the first stage, MTS and Huawei will enable round-the-clock video surveillance over the 5G network while at the second stage, they will provide indoor 5G coverage.
In late Februrary, MTS together with Skoltech, expanded the 5G coverage in Skolkovo, deploying a pilot network for the International Medical Cluster (MMK).
Russia adopted a roadmap last year intending to roll out 5G networks across 10 cities by 2024.