Russia’s MegaFon and Rostelecom have tested 5G cellular technology in the 26GHz (millimetre wave) frequency range and concluded that the band is suitable for commercial use, according to presentations at the ‘Spectrum-2018’ industry conference, reported by Vedomosti.
Pavel Mamchenkov, head of radiofrequency support for MegaFon, told the newspaper that high-frequency tests have been run on specific 5G user scenarios including telemedicine broadcasts and remote diagnosis of patients, alongside other 5G tests such as autonomous transport, whilst the 26GHz band also supports 5G LANs. Under a November 2017 partnership agreement MegaFon and Rostelecom have conducted 5G trials – including pilot networks during this summer’s football World Cup – in several frequency bands including 5G test allocations in the 2600MHz and 3.5GHz ranges.