Russia

MTS claims Russian 5G launch scheduled for 2018

It’s looking increasingly likely that 2018 will see major deployments of 5G across the world, as Russian incumbent MTS threw its hat into the ring with a predicted launch date.

MTS, VimpelCom to collaborate on LTE in Russia

Russian telco Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) and Dutch-based operator group VimpelCom have announced a partnership to develop and share LTE networks in Russia and the CIS region. The agreement involves rolling out LTE in 36 Russian regions over the next two years.

Huawei, MegaFon claim 5G services in Russia by 2018

Chinese infrastructure vendor Huawei and Russian operator MegaFon have announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deliver trial 5G network services at the Fifa World Cup 2018, to be held in 11 Russian cities.

Samsung makes tentative Tizen launch

Global smartphone sales leader Samsung has finally unveiled a smartphone running on Tizen – the new, Linux-based, open-source mobile OS that Samsung has been developing in partnership with Intel ever since Nokia threw the towel in on MeeGo back in 2011.

Rostelecom and Tele2 set up joint venture in Russia

Russian operator Rostelecom and rival Tele2 Russia have announced the creation of a joint venture, T2 RTK Holding. Rostelecom said that it will contribute “substantially all” of its mobile assets into the joint venture, and Tele2 Russia will contribute all of its mobile assets.

MTS teams with Samsung on North-West Russian LTE network

Russian operator group MTS plans to launch its first MTS LTE FDD network in Russia’s Northwest Federal District with Korean vendor Samsung. The rollout of the network is a part of the three-year agreement signed between the two firms in 2013.

Russia’s Rostelecom deploys “groundbreaking” CDN

Russian operator Rostelecom has deployed what it claims is one of the world’s largest operator content delivery networks (CDN). The network sees the deployment of content servers in 30 major Russian cities by Swedish infrastructure vendor Ericsson, which said that the platform will enable Rostelecom to create sustainable businesses in partnership with over the top (OTT) service providers.

VimpelCom Russia boss takes board role

European operator group VimpelCom has promoted its Russian chief to the group’s executive board; Anton Kudryashov will assume the role of chief group business development and portfolio officer from October 14, 2013.

TeliaSonera backs Megafon’s Yota acquisition

Russian operator Megafon has announced that it is to acquire domestic competitor Scartel, which operates an LTE network under the Yota brand, for $1.18bn. TeliaSonera, which holds 25.2 per cent of Scartel described the deal as “strategically attractive and value enhancing” for Megafon. Scartel is currently owned by Garsdale, a holding company of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who also controls more than 50 per cent of Megafon.

Moscow to monitor subway passengers’ phones

The police force covering Moscow’s subway system has proposed to deploy an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) tracking system capable of monitoring the location and movement of mobile phones.

Russian operators begin to phase out iPhone

Two of Russia’s largest mobile operators have ceased selling iPhone devices in the country due to the extensive marketing and financial support demanded by Apple. Second and third placed MTS and Megafon have already stopped advertising the device on their online shopping portals.

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