Russia will begin research and development work on deploying 6G networks in 2024. The deployment of 5G wireless cellular technology networks on domestic base stations will actively roll out in major Russian cities starting in 2026.
This was announced to journalists by the Minister of Digital Development of Russia, Maksut Shadayev, at the end of 2023 during the presentation of a domestic 5G base station at the "Russia" exhibition-forum.
The data announced by the minister are included in the Strategy for the Development of the Communications Industry until 2035, approved by the Cabinet. The first stage, up to 2030, specifically includes:
- the official radio frequency range of 4800—4990 MHz for the development of 4G and 5G networks in Russia, which will become the main one for creating 5G mobile communication networks;
- the development and pilot operation of Russian equipment for 5G and 6G-Ready standards;
- the joint use of core infrastructure by mobile operators for the deployment of 5G networks, and by 2035 - 6G as well;
- a gradual abandonment of 3G technology in Russia by 2030 - the freed-up frequencies will be allocated to priority modern technologies;
- the launch of a Russian low-orbit satellite constellation to provide internet access in certain regions;
- the upgrade of the Russian constellation of communication and broadcasting devices in geostationary orbit with domestic equipment.
The second stage of the Strategy, from 2031 to 2035, will end with connecting 98% of homes and socially significant facilities in Russia to the internet using fixed-line networks with a connection speed of at least 1 Gbps.
By this time, 5G networks on Russian equipment will be deployed in all Russian cities with a population of 100,000 or more, and commercial operation of 6G networks is expected to begin at the same time.
To ensure the stability of communication by 2035, the second phase of upgrading the Russian constellation of communication and broadcasting spacecraft in geostationary orbit will be carried out. A multifunctional personal satellite communication and data transmission system «Gonets-M1» should also be launched.
It is known that at the beginning of 2023, Russian telecom operators had already concluded forward contracts with Russian manufacturers of base stations for communication networks for more than 100 billion rubles. The total volume of deliveries until 2030 will be about 75 thousand base stations.
The developer of base stations "Irteya", which belongs to the MTS telecom operator, will release the first thousand of its 4G and 5G stations by the end of this year. Testing of the equipment, according to "Irteya", will take place on communication networks in Moscow and the Moscow region in the first half of 2024.
So far, Irteya has a modest degree of localization of components in Russia, and it is planned to increase it - the requirements for base stations will be tightened. From 2028, telecom operators will have to purchase, and, accordingly, use only domestic base stations.
