Ministry of Communications proposes to entrust the creation of a 5G network to a single operator
Source: Yves Herman / Reuters
The other day it became known that the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media is in favor of the idea of a single operator for creating 5G communication networks, as reported by Vedomosti. According to Deputy Minister Oleg Ivanov, the main reason is the lack of frequencies in the low range (up to 6 GHz). He argues that in order to experience all the benefits of 5G, the required bandwidth is 200 MHz.
As for the cost of the project to create 5G infrastructure, it is about 330-365 billion, subject to the creation of a single operator. If the companies independently develop 5G, this will increase the costs by approximately two times - up to 610 billion rubles.
Negotiations are underway to create a consortium for the construction of 5G infrastructure. Rostelecom, Rostec and Megafon can join this consortium. By the way, Megafon has already received permission from the State Radio Frequency Commission to test 5G networks in the 3 400-3 800 MHz and 24.25-29.5 GHz networks in all 11 cities that hosted the World Cup. Rostelecom got frequencies in the range of 3.4-3.8 GHz in some cities and regions.
As for another telecom operator, T2 RTK Holding (Tele2 brand), in the opinion of this company, the creation of a single infrastructure operator for the construction of 5G networks is appropriate. This will allow cellular companies to optimize their costs. In addition, at first the 5G service will not be able to become mass, so it is desirable for companies to save costs and create a single network for several companies at once.
True, there are other opinions. According to the representative of MTS, Aleksey Merkutov, a single operator will not solve the problem of lack of frequency resources. The main thing in launching the first commercial 5G networks is the allocation of frequencies on a transparent basis for adequate money. Monopolization is fraught with not only technological lag, but also threatens infrastructure resiliency.
Rostelecom is a supporter of the model of a single infrastructure operator. According to the operator, it will reduce the cost and speed up the deployment of fifth-generation networks. At the same time, this will also solve the problem of a shortage of radio frequency resources.