Russian mobile operator Megafon and national operator Rostelecom have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop a 5G network. This will reduce the cost of rolling out the next generation standard.
As part of the cooperation, Megafon and Rostelecom will develop optimal scenarios for rolling out 5G networks based on international experience and subject to the specifics of the Russian mobile communications market. The companies are considering the possibility of setting up a joint venture that would act as a single infrastructure operator for construction of 5G networks in Russia.
Megafon and Rostelecom plan to set up a working group that will propose options for rolling out 5G networks in the 3.4-3.6 GHz and 26 GHz frequency bands. This will include giving consideration to the government programme on the Digital Economy. Special attention will be paid to identifying and freeing up available space in the spectrum for 5G networks.
