The State Commission for Radio Frequencies (GRFC) will consider the application of Freshtel, a subsidiary of Rostelecom, to allocate 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies for testing 5G operation in the Moscow and Kazan metro stations. This was reported by Vedomosti with reference to materials for the March meeting of the commission. The application was also confirmed by the company.

The 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies range is considered optimal for fifth generation networks. Rostelecom may remain the only operator that will have access to it. The decision to admit the company to testing has not yet been agreed. The conclusion of the key members of the commission for the subsequent adoption of a decision by the GRFC was not received.

According to the representative of Rostelecom Valery Kostarev, now the Russian business is under the threat of loss of competitiveness, since all over the world 5G networks are already being launched into commercial operation, and in Russia they are not expected until 2024. Kostarev explained that polygons and experimental zones are needed in places where interference with other communication networks is impossible, for example, in the metro.

On March 5, MTS, using Huawei equipment, launched the first in Russia 5G pilot network for consumers in the 4.9 GHz band in 14 locations in Moscow.

Today it was reported that MTS may move its cell towers to a separate company. According to experts, in connection with the preparations for 5G, the emergence of inter-operator alliances and the creation of joint ventures to use the communications infrastructure is not excluded.

Original (in Russian)