Deputy PM says freeing frequencies for 5G to need tens of bln rbl

MOSCOW, Jan 31 (PRIME) -- Freeing of frequencies for 5G networks in Russia will consume tens of billions of rubles, Deputy Prime Minister Maxim Akimov said late Wednesday.

“We have planned serious funds, and we’re specifying the evaluation, which will be tens of billions of rubles to free a frequency spectrum, frequency conversion,” Akimov told reporters.

Media reported earlier that the LTE Union, an assembly of major local mobile operators MTS, MegaFon, VimpelCom, and T2 RTK holding, weighs expenses on frequency conversion for 5G at 11.8–16 billion rubles.

Deputy Digital Development Minister Oleg Ivanov said spending on conversion would be much higher than the LTE Union’s estimate.

“The cost of conversion that the security forces present exceeds this figure by several times. The matter is confidential, and I cannot comment on it,” Ivanov said.

The most suitable band for 5G development, which is 3.4–3.8 GHz, is currently occupied by other users, including the military.

(66.0987 rubles – U.S. $1)

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