5G pilot zones for testing dynamic spectrum management methods have been deployed in seven regions of the Russian Federation

Pilot 5G zones for testing dynamic spectrum management methods have been deployed in seven regions of the Russian Federation. They will test the compatibility of 5G networks with intelligence and satellite communications networks. Tests are necessary to avoid interference with electronic distribution systems of special services, which share frequencies with civilian operators.

Following the meeting of the State Commission on Radio Frequencies on March 29, the Ministry of Digital Development identified zones for testing dynamic management of the radio frequency spectrum, the ministry said in a statement on its official Telegram channel. The publication also states that the tests will be carried out on Russian equipment, and “pilot zones” will be deployed in seven regions: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow and Leningrad regions. The Ministry of Digital Development said in a statement that testing will be carried out by the company New Digital Solutions – a joint venture of Rostelecom, MegaFon, VimpelCom and MTS – to solve frequency problems for 5G networks. The Ministry of Digital Development did not answer Kommersant.

At the end of January 2024, the government identified the frequency band 4.4–4.99 GHz for the deployment of fifth generation networks in Russia. However, this band is also used, in particular, by intelligence agencies and satellite systems. A source in the communications market explains that for dynamic control, a special receiver is installed on the RES of special users, which, if necessary, transmits a signal to the operator’s base station (BS), and signal transmission in this range is stopped.

“Dynamic management will allow us to remove one of the most important obstacles to the development of 5G networks in Russia – the shortage of frequency spectrum, most of which is occupied by special equipment. The tests will be carried out in the 4.6–4.99 GHz band,” explains a Kommersant source in the telecom market. “To increase the efficiency of using frequencies, dynamic spectrum management mechanisms are needed,” MegaFon tells Kommersant. “This mechanism will be tested in certain locations of cities with a population of over a million, where it is necessary to prevent the creation of interference for special users’ electronic distribution systems.”

The company believes that the introduction of such a management system “will increase the efficiency of spectrum use, taking into account the interests of all participants, and will also, in the future, make it possible to find sufficient frequency resources for 5G networks.”

Since dynamic spectrum management technology is innovative for the Russian Federation, its implementation carries certain risks, experts point out. “The problem is in the algorithms; we don’t yet have an understanding of how this system will be implemented. Incorrect use of dynamic distribution can lead to problems both on civilian networks and on military infrastructure facilities,” notes Alexey Slukin, editor of the specialized Telegram channel Telekommunalka. Alexey Boyko, an analyst at the specialized Telegram channel abloud62, explains that if in any region cellular communication systems do not have enough time-frequency resources from priority users, then a dynamic system, for example, can be used at night, but not during the day. “Ordinary users will constantly experience interruptions in voice communication, although formally 5G coverage will be indicated by the corresponding symbol on the smartphone display,” says Mr. Boyko.

Rostelecom told Kommersant that the operators’ joint venture will begin to develop a methodology, technical specifications and begin interaction with special users in the frequency range. “During the tests, technical and organizational interaction procedures will be tested, including limiting or shutting down civilian equipment in simulated conditions. Until the availability of full-fledged Russian equipment for 5G networks, it is possible to conduct tests using radio-electronic radiation simulators. When domestic BS appears, they will be used,” the company says. VimpelCom and MTS declined to comment.

Alexey Zhabin