27 billion rubles will be spent from the state budget on the creation of a 5G network in Russian regions

By 2030, they plan to install at least 100,000 base stations, which will provide 25% of Russians with next-generation communications. The document states that by 2030, 27 billion rubles can be allocated from the state budget for the creation of 5G networks in 89 capitals of Russian regions, and another 602 billion rubles will be collected from telecom operators. The first 10,000 5G-ready base stations should be deployed as early as 2026. Telecom operators will spend up to 164 billion rubles annually for these purposes.

The volume of 106 thousand stations is sufficient for 89 administrative centres, the question is on which frequencies they will operate, the source of the publication among telecommunications equipment manufacturers notes.

There is still no domestic 5G equipment in Russia, and the prospects for its appearance are vague as suppliers focus on developing LTE base stations. This was told to Kommersant by a source at a major telecom operator. The expert says that even if the problems with frequencies can be solved and Russian 5G equipment will appear now, “its integration into operational networks is a complex engineering task.”

Back in the spring, the Ministry of Digital Development allowed the introduction of zero-fee or zero-cost 5G radio frequencies. This decision may be taken to stimulate the development of fifth-generation mobile communications in the country, as this requires large investments from operators. It is expected to be introduced in May 2025.