Generation substitution: they want to build a 5G network in Russia on 3G frequencies
For the implementation of 5G in Russia, the ranges on which the networks of the "outdated" 3G standard operate can be used. The State Commission for Radio Frequencies (GCRF), at the request of Vimpelcom, will consider testing a fifth-generation network on these frequencies in October, Izvestia learned. This will make it possible to connect highways and small towns, and make mobile Internet faster and better in cities, experts say. The introduction of 5G in the Russian Federation has been hindered for many years due to the lack of free frequencies and the necessary infrastructure, they note.
How to create 5G networks based on 3G technology
The State Commission on Radio Frequencies, which is scheduled to meet in mid-October, may allow 5G testing on frequencies currently used by the "outdated" 3G cellular standard. This follows from the materials of the commission, which were reviewed by Izvestia. It is planned that, at the request of Vimpelcom, the SCR will allocate bands in the 1965-1980 MHz and 2155-2170 MHz bands for scientific, research, experimental and design work in the experimental zone to be deployed in the Moscow metro.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed receipt of the application from the telecommunications company.
"We are currently awaiting information from the operator about the purpose and objectives of piloting," the agency told Izvestia.
The bands 1965-1980 MHz and 2155-2170 MHz are being considered to create a 5G communications network on the terms of technological neutrality, which implies the use of frequencies allocated for some communication technologies by others, the ministry added.
Vimpelcom declined to comment.
Experts on the use of radio spectrum interviewed by Izvestia believe that the frequencies at which 5G is planned to be tested will be useful not only in the subway, but also for covering cities.
Thus, Konstantin Ankilov, CEO of TMT Consulting, believes that 5G in these ranges can cover cities of millions, suburbs, and small locations such as university campuses, business centers, and enterprises. He recalled that 2100 MHz has long been used for 5G in the United States.
"The main problem for the development of fifth—generation networks in Russia now is that the frequencies at which the technology was originally developed — the so–called golden band 3.4—3.8 GHz — are reserved for law enforcement agencies," said Anton Averyanov, TechNet NTI market expert, CEO of the ST IT group of companies.
Therefore, we need our own developments in the field of 5G, which will allow us to use this type of communication on other bands. Frequencies of about 2 GHz are already used in the world for the so-called mid-band 5G, providing a balance between speed and coverage, he added.
"Third—generation networks are no longer needed by operators, since voice communication is provided by the good old GSM (although it is a second—generation mobile communication technology), and the wireless Internet is LTE/4G," says Leonid Konik, partner at ComNews Research.
Where modified networks may be needed
There are still very few frequencies for fifth—generation networks, both those that the state plans to allocate to operators and those that are inaccessible to communications specialists, says Denis Kuskov, CEO of TelecomDaily. Any additional spectra are extremely important, he is sure. The 3G band used for 5G can cover places where there are few subscribers, for example, small towns or roads, and in cities, in aggregation with other frequencies, will provide faster and more reliable Internet access, the expert believes.
According to him, the appearance of 5G in Russia has been postponed for several years — the main reason is the lack of frequencies for its operation. In addition, the lack of domestic network equipment is a deterrent to the development of 5G. In the future, this may lead to difficulties with infrastructure development, since fifth-generation technologies require more antenna-mast structures and power lines than LTE networks, he added.
Operators are interested in the 1965-1980 MHz and 2155-2170 MHz bands, as they allow conducting experiments with minimal risks of interference from military systems, Anton Averyanov noted. Testing in the metro is aimed at studying equipment compatibility, estimating throughput (up to 1 Gbit/s) and delays, as well as developing domestic solutions for base stations. This is especially true in the context of sanctions restricting access to Western technologies and the need for import substitution, which requires adapting 5G to alternative frequencies less loaded with military systems, he added.
However, market participants point to a fundamental problem: part of the 3G band has already been transferred to 4G/LTE networks.
— We conducted research evaluating the possibilities of using these lanes. However, for the full implementation of 5G based on the frequencies already used by 4G networks, it is necessary to redistribute resources in favor of a new generation of communications. This may negatively affect the quality of LTE user service," MegaFon warned. — Without allocating the "golden" 3.4–3.8 GHz band, the launch of 5G in full is impossible.
Daria Kolesnikova, a representative of T2, agrees with this opinion.
"For the effective development of fifth-generation networks, it is necessary to allocate a new frequency resource, and we still consider the 3.4–3.8 GHz range to be optimal," she noted.
Leonid Konik stated that 5G networks have not appeared in Russia, and the country has lagged behind the key countries of the world for six years in this matter. However, the fifth-generation standard did not show such demand and payback as LTE, so mobile companies in the Russian Federation did not lose out, he added.
— But there are some situations in which 5G is more efficient than LTE, for example, in places with a large crowd of people and a significant amount of Internet traffic. A striking example of such a place is the metro," the expert noted.
According to him, the cellular network, being underground, does not interfere with the state radio-electronic means in any way, since there are no radars, locators and other radio equipment there, Leonid Konik summed up.
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