Russian operators MegaFon and Rostelecom have signed an MoU to jointly develop 5G networks.
The companies are considering the possibility of setting up a joint venture that would act as a single infrastructure operator for construction of 5G networks in Russia.
MegaFon and Rostelecom plan to set up a working group that will propose options for rolling out 5G networks in the 3.4 — 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz frequency bands.
Both companies are actively involved in promoting the 5G standard together with leading international hardware manufacturers. For example, MegaFon is working on issues around the roll out of 5G as a member of GSMA, the international organization of mobile operators.
This year, at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, MegaFon set a record for the fastest ever mobile internet connection in Russia, demonstrating the operation of a 5G network at speeds of 35 GB/s. MegaFon is also the first mobile operator to obtain the 3400 — 3800 MHz and 25250 —29500 MHz frequency bands to deploy test 5G zones for the FIFA 2018 World Cup.
Rostelecom has the necessary network infrastructure, radio frequencies and project experience. Earlier the company signed an agreement to build 5G networks at Innopolis, the Skolkovo Innovation Center and the State Hermitage Museum.
Sergey Soldatenkov, CEo, Mega
I am confident that, through joint efforts, 5G can become the foundation for technological development in a number of sectors of the digital economy.
Mikhail Oseevskiy, President, Rostelecom
We believe that the creation of a fully-fledged 5G mobile network in Russia will require market players to join efforts. Our partnership with MegaFon is designed to demonstrate the success of such an approach to rolling out 5G networks.
