PRESS: Russia can set up trial zone for 5G in October–December

MOSCOW, May 20 (PRIME) -- A trial zone for 5G connection could be organized in Russia in October–December, business daily Kommersant reported on Monday, citing the Digital Development Ministry’s draft concept of creation and development of the new generation standard of connection.

The State Radio Frequency Commission will have to decide on chances to use the 3.4–3.8 GHz range, the priority band for 5G, according to the document. The authority could choose frequencies for 5G that will be later offered at spectrum auctions, which will be subject to a decision in January–March 2020, also in October–December.

Spokesman for the ministry Yevgeny Novikov said that applications for 5G trial zones had been submitted by leading local operators MegaFon, VimpelCom, MTS, Rostelecom, and T2 RTK Holding.

“If earlier trial zones tested whether equipment functioned or not, now operators will study integration of 5G with the existing networks, applicability of new services, and assess economy of projects,” Novikov said.

Tests will be held on ranges of 4.8–4.99 GHz and 25.25–27.5 GHz, which are already permitted by the frequency commission, while the operators also want to engage the 3.4–3.8 GHz, he said.

Rostelecom and MegaFon studied 5G in 2018 in the cities hosting the FIFA World Cup. The operators proposed to continue tests on 3.4–3.8 GHz, but the idea was rejected because of objections of law enforcement entities, which exploit the band.

Deputy Prime Minister Maxim Akimov asked President Vladimir Putin in late April to push forward the matter of conversion of 5G frequencies, including the 3.4–3.8 GHz band.

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