5G in Russia: Launch on the Old Frequencies

Last week, commercial operation of 5G networks began in Russia, seven years after the mobile communications standard was launched in Germany. On September 11, 2026, the major Russian mobile network operators announced 5G service in select areas of more than 20 cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and most other cities with populations exceeding one million. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, the networks currently have the potential to reach around 10 million users. By the end of the year, the service is expected to be available in 50 additional cities.

So Far, Only “5G Light”

Technically, the rollout is using frequencies that were previously allocated for LTE and 3G. Measurements by the market research firm TelecomDaily showed data rates of up to 240 Mbit/s; users have posted screenshots showing rates exceeding 250 Mbit/s; and experts say these rates are two to three times higher than previous speeds. For iPhones, Russian 5G is not yet available everywhere. The Ministry of Digital Affairs explained that availability depends on Apple.

According to observers, speeds of 1.5 Gbit/s and higher would be possible in the newly allocated 4.63–4.99 GHz band. In fact, market leader MTS has been offering 5G in these new bands since September 11, primarily in Moscow and St. Petersburg. To do so, the company is using a special permit for pilot zones granted to it in 2019, which also includes the use of foreign base stations in these frequencies. The Ministry of Digital Development, however, clarified that the license does not permit paid services and is valid only until August 1, 2027.

Russian Devices Required

At the end of August, the State Commission for Radio Frequencies (GKRTsch) established the rules for the 5G launch and allocated the corresponding frequency bands to the mobile network operators. The four major providers—MTS, Megafon, Beeline, and T2—each received 90 megahertz of the 4.63 to 4.99 gigahertz band. The ministry decided against holding an auction after the providers complained about the high deployment costs. The new frequencies lie above the internationally standard range of 3.4 to 3.8 gigahertz, which security agencies in Russia reserve for themselves. Higher frequencies reduce signal range and make deployment more expensive, as up to twice as many base stations are required to cover the same area.

In exchange for the free allocation, operators must meet certain rollout targets. In addition, they may only use Russian equipment and software for 5G networks on the new frequencies. Exceptions apply to 5G operations on existing LTE frequencies, which are permitted under Russia’s technology-neutral policy. Foreign base stations may also be used on these frequencies, provided they were installed before the deadline of September 1, 2026. However, this equipment must be phased out by the end of 2031.

Technology with Limited Compatibility So Far

Russian 5G base stations are not yet available on the market. The manufacturer Irteja, in which MTS holds a 50% stake, plans to deliver the first “hundreds of units” in early 2027. Competitor Yadro also plans to begin mass production in 2027. According to MTS, 60,000 units would be required for network expansion.

Furthermore, there are currently only a few smartphones in Russia capable of receiving 5G in the new frequency band. Renowned technology expert Eldar Murtasin estimates that only about 3% of 5G-capable smartphones support the n79 band. Excluding iPhones—which are technically capable but have access blocked—that share drops to less than 1%. On the LTE bands, however, he estimates that around 40% of all smartphones used in Russia can receive 5G.

It is therefore unlikely that the 4.63–4.99 GHz band will become the primary 5G band in Russia, says Leonid Konik of the industry research firm ComNews Research. For residential customers, the standard is likely to remain on the LTE frequencies. The strengths of 5G—low latency and the ability to connect a large number of devices simultaneously—are primarily of interest to businesses anyway, such as in factories with industrial robots or remotely controlled equipment.

Profits Only in the Enterprise Market

Beeline estimates demand for enterprise 5G networks in 2027 at 13–16 billion rubles (130 to 160 million euros). More than 80% of 5G revenue is expected to come from the corporate customer segment. According to a study by MTS, 5G will require total investments by operators of more than 335 billion rubles (3.44 billion euros) by 2036. Of this amount, 286 billion rubles (2.94 billion euros) is attributable to the residential market. In this segment, MTS expects operators to incur a total loss of 84 billion rubles (860 million euros) by 2036. The additional costs for the expansion could hardly be passed on to customers because the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) is closely monitoring rate increases, explains industry analyst Alexei Bojko. According to MTS’s forecast, only the business segment is expected to be profitable, with total expected profits of 63 billion rubles (650 million euros).

Sources: Kommersant 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Izvestia 1, 2, Vedomosti, RC Test (all RU)

Source: German-Russian Chamber of Foreign Trade, 5G in Russia: Launch on the Old Frequencies, September 17, 2026.

This article was prepared for the German-Russian Chamber of Foreign Trade.