MTS announced the launch of a gigabit 5G network in the 4.9 GHz band across Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Ufa. The network operates in 46 pilot zones with peak data speeds reaching 1.5 Gbps.
According to the Ministry of Digital Development, MTS holds a permit for pilot testing in this band until August 1, 2027. The current regulatory framework prohibits the operator from charging subscribers for access to these 5G services.
Industry sources suggest that MTS is utilizing foreign equipment in these zones. However, current GKRCh regulations mandate that new 5G network deployments must rely exclusively on domestic hardware.
The domestic market currently lacks commercially available Russian 5G base stations. Companies such as Irteya and Yadro expect to begin supplying or mass-producing such equipment no earlier than 2027.
