Russia has announced the "possible launch" of public 5G networks as early as this summer. Meanwhile, 5G technology has been in use in leading nations since 2019. This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, according to UNN.
Details
According to preliminary information, Russia announced that it may launch its first public 5G networks as early as this summer. At the same time, the US and China have been using this technology since 2019.
In other words, while the world's leading nations have spent seven years developing 5G and preparing for the next stages of digital evolution, Russia has only reached the stage of "maybe we'll launch soon." Even more interesting is that the network will have to be launched not on the 3.4–3.8 GHz range standard for most countries, but on exotic 4.63–4.99 GHz frequencies. The reason is simple: the "golden" spectrum has traditionally been occupied by Russia's security structures, which have no intention of giving it up. As always, the priority is not technological development, but the interests of the security forces,
Furthermore, according to intelligence data, telecom operators are facing a shortage of equipment to operate in the new range. Instead, the Russian authorities are demanding the use of predominantly domestic technological solutions, which, as noted, are insufficient.
A separate surprise awaits Russians with smartphones. Many devices do not support the frequencies on which the Russian 5G is planned to be launched. Therefore, to access the "technology of the future," many will have to buy a new phone. That is, of course, if ordinary Russians have the funds for it after the latest price hikes and falling incomes,
Ultimately, according to available data, by the end of 2026, 5G may appear in only four cities with populations over a million. The rest of the country will continue to use fourth-generation networks, "while propaganda talks about another 'technological breakthrough'."
Recall
The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation is developing a system of measures designed to transform the Russian segment of the internet into an infrastructure fully controlled by the state. Instead of obvious blocking, there will be slow economic and licensing suppression, which the average user will feel gradually: through increased bills, poor connection, and a lack of alternatives.