The expert named the first advantages of launching 5G for users

The launch of 5G networks in Russia does not mean the instant transition of all users to a fundamentally new communication speed. The first changes will depend on the region, the operator and the smartphone used, and the full-fledged capabilities of the technology will appear as the infrastructure develops. Andrey Tikhonov, an AI developer, told Izvestia about this on September 11.

"The movie downloads in seconds, video communication no longer freezes, self-driving cars exchange data with the road. It is with such promises that 5G is usually associated. The Russian launch will be much quieter: the first changes depend on where a person lives, which operator he uses and which phone he carries in his pocket," the expert noted.

According to Tikhonov, the launch of 5G became possible after the approval of the conditions for the deployment of fifth-generation networks by the State Commission on Radio Frequencies on August 31, 2026. Operators have the opportunity to use frequencies previously allocated for LTE, as well as compatible base stations.

For ordinary users, the first advantages will be related to everyday tasks: faster file transfer, downloading materials, and using a smartphone in hotspot mode. At the same time, the transition to a new standard does not guarantee a multiple increase in speed.

According to the expert, the quality of communication depends on the width of the channel, the equipment, the number of connected users and the capabilities of the operator's infrastructure.

"The same icon on the screen can accompany a very different quality of communication," Tikhonov explained.

The expert noted that the full disclosure of 5G capabilities requires further infrastructure development. The range of 4.63–4.99 GHz will play an important role for the Russian launch, however, the appearance of new frequencies in itself does not mean the instant formation of full coverage.

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Tikhonov stressed that it is not worth changing a serviceable smartphone just because of the launch of 5G. When purchasing a new device, support for the required ranges must be considered along with other characteristics, and the mass transition will occur gradually as coverage develops and compatible devices become available.

According to the expert, in the early stages, not only private users, but also businesses will be able to get more benefits from 5G. The technology may be in demand in industry, logistics, and other areas where stable transmission of large amounts of data is required.

For most users, the upcoming changes will be related to a more stable connection, improved video communication, and faster transfer of large files. More complex scenarios, including unmanned vehicles and smart cities, will require not only a new communication standard, but also the development of other technologies.

Earlier in the day, commercial fifth-generation (5G) communications networks were launched in Russia. At the first stage, 5G services were launched in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Veliky Novgorod, Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Perm, Samara, Tver, Ufa, Chelyabinsk and Yaroslavl. The Ministry of Finance noted that the possibility of launching the technology in 50 more cities by the end of 2026 is being considered. It was noted that all users of Android smartphones will have access to the new communication network in the near future. iPhone owners' access to 5G will depend on Apple's decision.