Expert: Operators not to drop 3G in 2023, LTE not enough for devt

MOSCOW, Oct 28 (PRIME) -- Russian mobile operators will not be able to drop 3G equipment in favor of 4G in 2023, Alexander Sivolobov, deputy head of the Skoltech-based center of excellence of the National Technology Initiative, told PRIME on Friday.

“The decision to continue…the existence of 3G is easy to explain. The operators planned to get rid off 3G entirely and replace it with 4G. But now LTE equipment is enough only to keep and maintain stable functioning of the existing network, not its further development,” Sivolobov said.

The operators expected the start of 3G disconnection in 2023. VimpelCom, working under the Beeline brand, said earlier it plans to stop using 3G in more than 25 regions by the end of 2023.

T2 RTK Holding, working under the Tele2 brand, said the operator cannot name any dates because of difficulties “with availability of network equipment and a slowdown in replacement of the 3G phones and M2M devices by the clients.”

MegaFon said it gradually turns 3G frequencies into LTE but does not set any deadlines for disconnection of 3G because of a great deal of devices working with the standard.

MTS said it will act along with phasing out of 3G gadgets.

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