Commercial fifth-generation communication networks have officially started operating in Russia. In the first phase, 5G was launched simultaneously in 16 cities, and about 10 million people gained access to high-speed mobile internet. This was announced by the Ministry of Digital Development. Services are provided by the “big four” operators – Megafon, Beeline, T2, and MTS.
Different operators launched 5G in different cities. In Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg, the new standard is available from all four companies. In Novosibirsk and Kazan, it was launched by Megafon and MTS, and in Samara – by Beeline and Megafon.
In Veliky Novgorod, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, and Tver, 5G is provided by Megafon. In Volgograd, Krasnoyarsk, Perm, and Chelyabinsk – by T2. In Ufa, the network was launched by MTS, and in Yaroslavl – by Beeline.
In the near future, Android device owners will be able to use 5G. For iPhones, the situation depends on Apple's decision.
For now, the new standard operates on LTE frequencies previously allocated to operators. This already allows for an increase in network throughput by 20–25%. Additionally, operators received new frequency bands in the 4.63–4.99 GHz range – in equal volume and free of charge.
However, the launch on existing infrastructure is considered the first phase. Subsequently, operators must switch to the new frequencies that have already been provided to them.
By the end of 2026, 5G is planned to be launched in 50 more cities in Russia
The government expects that the new standard will be used not only for faster mobile internet. 5G is considered the basis for the development of digital technologies – from industry and unmanned transport to robotics, telemedicine, “smart cities,” and the Internet of Things.
In particular, fifth-generation networks can be used to control unmanned transport and robotic systems, digitalize industrial enterprises, connect Internet of Things devices, and create private technological networks at enterprises.
Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Russian Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko noted that the development of communication networks must correspond to the growth rates of the digital economy. According to him, in the first phase, the use of existing infrastructure allows for an increase in data transfer speed by 20–25%.
At the same time, Russia intends to gradually increase the share of domestic equipment. The government's task is to bring the share of Russian 5G base stations to 100%.
Head of the Ministry of Digital Development Maksut Shadaev noted that fourth-generation LTE networks already cover 90% of Russia's entire populated territory, and 95% of mobile subscribers use LTE services daily. According to him, 5G provides significantly higher speeds for mobile services. By the end of the year, access to the fifth-generation network is planned to be provided to residents of 50 more Russian cities.