Starting in February 2026, operator MTS will begin the phased shutdown of the 3G standard on the 900 MHz frequency in Moscow and the surrounding region. The measure is aimed at refarming frequencies to the modern LTE standard. This will increase the coverage radius of base stations by 1.5-2 times and improve signal penetration indoors.
According to the company, from 2023 to 2025 almost the entire 2100 MHz band was shifted from 3G to LTE. Thanks to this, mobile internet speed increased by 25%.
Today, only 1.3% of users use devices without LTE support. The share of those accessing the internet from such phones is only 0.4%.
The shutdown of the remaining 3G base stations on the 900 MHz frequency will take place in two stages — in February and March 2026.
MTS plans to completely stop using the 3G standard in Russia by the end of 2027.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that the outdated 3G communication standard will be switched off in nine cities in Russia.
Read more materials on the topic:
- 3G Is "Dying" in Russia: Telecom Operators Are Abandoning the Outdated Technology in Favor of LTE
- In Russia, the Use of 5G Frequencies for Operators May Be Made Free of Charge
- The First Domestic Base Stations for 4G and 5G Networks Will Begin to Be Installed in Russia in 2026
