Russian telcos MTS and VimpelCom are reportedly discussing the possibility of sharing their LTE networks in certain regions.
The main areas of focus will be lightly-populated regions where it would be especially costly for the operators to develop their…
Russian telcos MTS and VimpelCom are reportedly discussing the possibility of sharing their LTE networks in certain regions.
The main areas of focus will be lightly-populated regions where it would be especially costly for the operators to develop their own networks, local paper Vedomosti cited an MTS representative as saying.
An MTS spokesperson told TelecomFinance that the company, Russia’s largest mobile operator, is evaluating the benefits of LTE network sharing and looking forward to the authorities making necessary legal changes.
Meanwhile, a VimpelCom spokesperson commented that the telco, Russia’s third mobile player behind MTS and MegaFon, is generally in favour of network sharing to reduce costs and enhance services to customers, but declined to comment further.
A communications ministry representative was cited as saying documents on the sharing of GSM, 3G and 4G networks have already been signed and registered with the justice ministry. Such changes would require formal government approval to become law.
MTS, MegaFon, VimpelCom and smaller rival Rostelecom all won 4G licences in the 791-862 MHz band in a July 2012 auction. Tele 2 Russia, the other major player in the Russian mobile market, missed out. However, Rostelecom and Tele2 Russia have since created a mobile joint venture which will combine their spectrum.
The State Commission for Radio Frequencies recently announced its decision to auction frequencies for telecoms services in the 1,800 MHz band to develop GSM and LTE networks.
