[74092] Russia plans to launch a 5G network: Is it a technological improvement or just a symbolic step?

Moscow's step towards 5G deployment

According to reports from Раньше всех. Ну почти. and the ТАСС agency, the Russian government plans to allocate the 4.63–4.99 GHz frequency range this coming June to major mobile operators (MTS, VimpelCom, MegaFon, and T2) for the deployment of fifth-generation networks. The ambitious plan includes a launch in major cities by the end of 2026, with an expansion to 16 additional cities during 2027.

However, a wave of critical reports suggests that the launch will be primarily "formal." Новости Москвы, a channel that presents a critical position toward the West but reports on domestic technological uncertainty, calls the move "Schrödinger's 5G." According to the channel, although the 5G icon might appear on subscribers' phone screens, the actual browsing speed is expected to remain unchanged, as operators lack the equipment required to work in the allocated frequency range.

The ЧТД channel, which takes a critical line toward the Russian government, defined the initiative as "fake 5G." The channel notes that the difficulty also stems from the government's demand to rely on local equipment, which does not yet exist in the required volume, with the long-term goal being to complete the transition to Russian equipment only by 2031.

At the same time, Rozetked adds that it is possible permission will be granted to use existing 2G, 3G, and LTE frequencies for fifth-generation needs, which might allow for a faster launch after regulatory approvals are obtained. Nevertheless, the МАРДАН channel, identified with patriotic positions, notes that the selected frequency range (4.63–4.99 GHz) is not supported by all existing smartphone devices, which raises further questions regarding the accessibility of the technology for the average user.