Page 100 - SAMENA Trends - March 2020

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

MTS Tests 5G Using LTE Spectrum, Although No State Permission yet for

Refarming

Russia’s largest cellco by users, Mobile MTS considers the technology of dynamic any of their existing 2G, 3G and 4G LTE
TeleSystems (MTS), has partnered spectrum reallocation as key in the frequencies to launch 5G services, with
Ericsson to test dynamic redistribution evolution of networks from 4G to 5G. After newspaper Vedomosti recently reporting
of frequencies between 4G LTE and 5G the regulator decides on the technologically that a paragraph permitting such
NR networks, demonstrating methods for neutral LTE band, the use of this technology spectrum refarming has been removed
low-cost deployment of wide 5G coverage on existing networks can give users such from an SCRF draft decision. The original
utilizing existing LTE infrastructure. The benefits as reduced response [time], which draft envisaged the first commercial 5G
tests carried out at MTS’ offices in Ufa is important when implementing 5G-ready base stations operating on a limited basis
used a commercial 5G non-standalone services … To conduct further research, in spring 2020 with large-scale coverage
(NSA) 1800MHz/2100MHz base station we plan to deploy the tested Ericsson appearing by the end of the year, whilst
with Ericsson Radio System equipment solution on the MTS commercial LTE according to the Digital Economy federal
utilizing the Instant Ericsson Spectrum network and in other regions of Russia.’ program, 5G networks should cover ten
Sharing (Instant ESS) solution and 800MHz The ESS solution is supported on all radio major cities in 2022. Moves to free up the
LTE anchor band. Test end-user terminals equipment supplied by Ericsson for the 3.5GHz band for 5G have stalled due to the
with MediaTek chipsets were used. MTS’ MTS network since 2016, as well as by range’s usage by military/security forces
VP of Technology Viktor Belov said: ‘Until 5G NR chipset manufacturers. Russia’s whilst a decision on allocating mmWave
Russia has resolved the issue of providing State Commission for Radio Frequencies 5G spectrum is pending.
frequencies for the development of 5G, (SCRF) is yet to permit operators to use

SBB Launches Gigabit Broadband in Sixth City

Serbia Broadband (SBB), Serbia’s second- in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Subotica, Gornji million) on upgrading its infrastructure
largest ISP by subscribers, has launched Milanovac and, most recently, Kragujevac. to improve its broadband and digital TV
broadband plans with speeds of up to The overhaul is part of a five-year offerings.
1Gbps in Nis, making it the company’s investment plan that will see the company
sixth ‘GIGA city’ following similar upgrades spend around EUR300 million (USD333

100 MARCH 2020