The Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA) has presented a forecast for the development of the Russian telecom market until 2024. According to him, the main driver of capital settlement operators in the coming years is the deployment of the 5G network. Investments in the development of fifth-generation networks by 2027 may reach 1.0-1.1 trillion rubles (equivalent to $13.5 - 15 billion).

Experts predict that when deploying 5G networks at 4.8-4.99 GHz, the cost will be more than 1 trillion rubles (or $13.5 billion). The reason for this is the higher density required and higher power consumption, as well as the rise in the cost of equipment, which is mainly produced for the "golden range" of frequencies - 3.4-3.8 GHz.

ACRA agency  also expects the start of active implementation of 5G in Russia in 2024. However, according to analysts' forecasts, the dates may be shifted due to insufficient demand for fifth generation networks from end consumers. 

The participants of the telecom market themselves in 2021 expect a solution to the issue of providing frequencies and setting up the production of domestic 5G equipment.

How the transition to 5G may impact the sector’s financial indicators (in Russian)

Original (in Russian)