Russia will abandon 3G and radio communications, preferring LTEScience and technology00:26 | 24 October 2023

The Russian professional radio communications market has reached 1.5 billion rubles and has 600 thousand users. Within the scope of the Communication Development Strategy, it is planned to gradually abandon 3G networks and focus on LTE networks. Experts recognize the need to move away from 3G, but believe professional radio communications have long-term prospects.

Now in Russia the practice of industrial companies creating their own mobile networks is becoming popular. The market volume of private mobile communication networks in 2022 reached 1.5 billion rubles, an increase of 20% compared to the previous year. These networks are used in various fields such as industry, transportation and energy.

It is important to note that professional radio communications can be implemented both on the basis of special technologies and on the basis of 4G LTE networks. There are currently no dedicated frequencies for private LTE networks in Russia, so corporate customers can use existing cellular networks. However, professional radio networks are expected to be gradually integrated into LTE networks.

It is also planned to abandon 3G networks and switch to more modern technologies such as LTE. This step will help solve the problem of radio frequency resource scarcity and enable more efficient use of cellular communications. The strategy assumes that by 2025, 81% of mobile subscribers in Russia will use LTE, 7% will use 2G networks, and only 4% will remain on 3G. By this time, most operators in the world will also shut down their 3G networks.

Despite the abandonment of 3G, professional radio communications remain relevant and have a wide range of applications, including transportation, industry and energy. Experts agree that 3G should be a thing of the past, but professional radio networks will continue to serve as an important tool for a variety of industries and organizations.