Subscribers will see the 5G icon on their smartphones, but will not feel a significant increase in speed. MTS reported this to TASS, admitting that in the first phase, the network is being deployed on existing LTE frequencies in a technology-neutral mode.
- MTS explained: for a quick launch, the technology first uses existing frequencies, and operators will only start launching gigabit 5G on domestic equipment in the 4.9 GHz band from 2027. The operator reminded about the peak speed of 1.5 Gbit/s in five cities.
- T2 stated that they did not promise "super speeds" from laboratories, but guaranteed network acceleration up to 800 Mbit/s – four to five times higher than current indicators.
- MegaFon stated that they are developing the network, focusing on the technical readiness of the infrastructure and device availability.
The gap between expectations and reality creates a risk for trust in the technology: the consumer sees a new icon, but does not get the promised speed. Real gigabit 5G in Russia will not begin until 2027, when domestic base stations are deployed in cities with a million-plus population. Until then, 5G will remain largely a symbolic update.