Tele2 Russia has asked for permission to join a new 4G research consortium, according to media reports.
Last month, the State Commission for Radio Frequencies allowed the three largest mobile operators – MTS, VimpelCom, MegaFon and fixed-line operator…
Tele2 Russia has asked for permission to join a new 4G research consortium, according to media reports.
Last month, the State Commission for Radio Frequencies allowed the three largest mobile operators – MTS, VimpelCom, MegaFon and fixed-line operator Rostelecom – to draft propositions for spectrum in the 2.5GHz band with the main point being the conversion of military spectrum for LTE use.
The proposal is due by 1 July and Igor Shchyogolev, the minister of communications and mass media, is reportedly keen to launch a tender to sell the frequencies this year, adding that the winners would have to pay the costs of conversion and manufacturing equipment for the military. The costs of conversion could be around Rbs60bn (E1.5bn).
The authority reportedly said that smaller operators would be authorised to join the consortium
Tele2 reportedly expressed its intention to develop 4G services in Russia in November 2004.
Tele2 was not immediately available for comments.
