Russia’s ministry for communications and mass media is reportedly preparing to make 1800MHz spectrum technology neutral, paving the way for mobile operators to develop LTE services. Such a move would also enable Tele2 Russia, the only one of the…
Russia’s ministry for communications and mass media is reportedly preparing to make 1800MHz spectrum technology neutral, paving the way for mobile operators to develop LTE services. Such a move would also enable Tele2 Russia, the only one of the nation’s five largest mobile operators not to receive an LTE licence last year, to enter the race.
The ministry is drafting new regulations for spectrum usage that would open up the 1800MHz band, currently allocated to GSM networks, to LTE, reported Russian newspaper Vedomosti without citing sources.
In July, Russian telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor awarded LTE licences in the 791-862MHz range to the nation’s so-called ‘big three’ mobile operators – MTS, MegaFon and Vimpelcom – along with state-controlled Rostelecom. Swedish telco Tele2’s Russian unit was the only major player to miss out. However, the Vedomosti report points out that complications arise from the fact the operators won bandwidths of 7.5MHz each, while LTE requires bandwidths of either 5MHz or 10MHz.
According to the report, operators have expressed support for a technology-neutral 1800MHz band, while noting that much will depend upon the results of technical tests to be conducted by the Scientific Research Institute of Radio (NIIR).
In December, the State Commission for Radio Frequencies (GKRCh) employed NIIR to test LTE networks’ effects on 1800 MHz spectrum, and the big three operators together with Tele2 Russia are set to take part.
Tele2 Russia is a particularly strong advocate for making the 1800MHz spectrum technology-neutral.
A company spokesperson today told TelecomFinance that Tele2 is convinced 4G development in Russia in the mid-term will depend largely upon the introduction of technology neutrality.
“It will allow for fast and efficient LTE rollout in the 1800MHz range, which is already the world standard,” said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson added that the regulator’s recent actions suggest neutrality will be introduced in “the foreseeable future”.
“If so, we will of course welcome this decision because it’s the easiest and quickest way to roll out 4G and provide our clients with high-speed mobile internet and reduce digital divide in Russia.”
The spokesperson also noted that Tele2 Russia has already built an LTE network based on NIIR methodology that “can be commissioned as soon as the regulator takes the relevant decision”.
Anna Kurbatova, a TMT senior equity analyst with BCS Investment Bank in Moscow, said she understands the ministry wants to submit communications law amendments to the State Duma during the Spring parliament season.
In her view, the reported amendments would increase competition on the mobile data front.
“Simply, if technological neutrality is introduced, Tele2 and other regional mobile companies would take advantage of it and start deploying 3G/LTE networks along with the [four largest operators]. In other words, small companies will continue to be independent markets players and competition would remain high.”
