MTS has launched 5G services in the Kaliningrad region, marking the first such deployment in the area. The network operates on existing LTE frequencies in the 2100 MHz band, utilizing the principle of technological neutrality. This approach allows the company to run 4G and 5G networks simultaneously on the same spectrum without the need for new infrastructure.
The 5G coverage is now active in several key locations across Kaliningrad, including areas near the Drama Theatre, the Kaliningrad State Technical University, the Pregolya embankment, and the Central Market. Additionally, the service has been extended to central districts in Guryevsk and Sovetsk, as well as busy commercial zones in Pionersky and Svetly.
The deployment follows a decision by the State Commission for Radio Frequencies, which authorized operators to use 4G-allocated frequencies for 5G services. According to the current regulatory roadmap, mobile operators are expected to begin a phased transition to domestic base stations starting in 2027, with the full migration process scheduled for completion by the end of 2031.
