Russia’s Digital Development Ministry announces 5G launch (only in 16 cities for now)
Russia has switched on its first commercial fifth-generation (5G) networks, the Digital Development Ministry announced.
Russia's Digital Development Ministry has announced the launch of its first commercial fifth-generation (5G) networks. The country's major mobile carriers - MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and T2 - will provide 5G-based service in 16 cities, granting approximately 10 million people access to 5G mobile internet. Android device users in these cities can expect 5G "very soon," while iPhone users will have to wait for Apple's decision.
The ministry plans to expand 5G coverage to an additional 50 cities by the end of 2026. Initially, 5G technology will operate on LTE (4G) frequencies already allocated to carriers, with new spectrum in the 4.63–4.99 GHz range also being utilized. In contrast to other countries, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and Defense Ministry traditionally control the 3.4–3.8 GHz frequency band for 5G, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin in 2019 and not reversed since.
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