The Big Four are preparing to share 5G frequencies

    The Big Four operators, which the so-called LTE Union represents, are ready to support the 3.4-3.8 GHz sharing project for 5G networks. This follows from the letter of the LTE Union to the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media, Kommersant reports . True, the frequencies of the specified range have not yet been allocated, since the development of technology in this spectrum is not coordinated with the power departments.

    So far, the state plans to test 5G in a less attractive range for operators, so the consortium in question may not be formed. Operators themselves believe that the sharing model allows participants to share operating costs for infrastructure development. According to the representative of MegaFon, it is necessary to solve the problem of spectrum release together, having formed a collective negotiator to work with existing users.

    As for frequencies, the state commission on radio frequencies decided to allocate the spectrum bands of 4.8–4.9 GHz and 27.1–27.5 GHz to an indefinite circle of people for examination of their use for 5G. The same commission decided not to allocate for these purposes the frequencies of 3.4 GHz, 4.2 GHz, 4.5-4.8 GHz and 27.5-29.5 GHz, which is associated with the peculiarities of the work of the power departments.

    The deputy head of the ministry, Oleg Ivanov, said that everything that will be released in the range of up to 6 GHz will be given to the infrastructure operator.

    Earlier, the LTE Union made a proposal to postpone the decision of the SCRF, since it contradicts the approach of the combined operator for the band 3.4-3.8 GHz. “We have clear intentions in 2019 to deploy pilot zones of 5G networks. Unfortunately, in the final version of the SCRF solution, taking into account the position of the power departments, there is no most attractive range for us for 3.4-3.8 GHz. The range of 4.8–4.99 GHz is not a priority for us and can only be considered as a last resort, ”the company said. According to representatives of MegaFon, admission of procedures for private provision of an unlimited number of people to local coverage down to individual buildings "can lead to interference between such networks, excessive segmentation of the resource and exclude the possibility of building full 5G networks and implementing digital economy plans."

    According to Oleg Ivanov, the SCRF provides a legal opportunity for all participants to receive frequencies. This is done to ensure that the standard develops in any case, even if market participants cannot agree on the creation of a consortium.

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