Qualcomm and Russian mobile operators prepare to enable Europe’s First 5G mmWave network in Moscow

Aug 14, 2019 MOSCOW

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, today announced its work with the Department for Information Technologies of Moscow, Russian mobile operators, equipment and software vendors to support testing and deployment of Europe's first 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) network in Moscow this fall.

As the first 5G NR mmWave (band n257) network launch in Europe this year, the Moscow project will enable the testing and commercialization of a wide range of new applications, from improved fixed broadband and mobile wireless access for private users to unique business solutions.

In particular, the project is meant to kickstart a range of new 5G-enabled digital services and innovation in the city, including virtual and augmented reality applications, which are set to become some of the most important elements of the Russian capital's digital space. This can allow the city and technology companies operating in Moscow to create new jobs developing next-generation applications, giving new impetus to the growth of high-tech industries in the area and increasing the role of Moscow as one of the world's leading technology centres.

For that reason, the Department of Information Technologies of Moscow is providing support to the Russian wireless communication industry in preparation for the launch.

"Moscow is one of the most dynamically developing cities in Europe. Over the next few years, Moscow plans to equip business centres, stadiums, main streets, congress halls, railway stations and airports with high-capacity ultra-fast, low-latency mobile communications to bring a whole new level of services to individuals and businesses in the capital.

"Deploying 5G networks on the n257 mmWave band will allow operators to achieve this goal in a very efficient way, and we're pleased to report that cooperation between the Moscow authorities and mobile operators has been well-coordinated. In turn, we are working with manufacturers to bring 5G mmWave technology to a wide range of devices, from smartphones to fixed wireless access points, which will be essential to the city achieving its goal" said Yulia Klebanova, vice president, business development, Qualcomm Europe.

"Moscow is scheduled to be the first city in Russia to deploy fully-fledged 5G pilot zones across all telecom operators this fall. In many of the world's megacities, the deployment of 5G networks is restricted by mobile operators’ business needs and their access to the spectrum frequencies needed. In our case, spectrum access has been resolved at state level to accelerate the rollout of high-capacity 5G mmWave.

"Also, this 5G pilot is coordinated by the Moscow City Government and, in particular, the Department of Information Technologies of Moscow. We are keeping up with the market in building a safe and reliable 5G infrastructure that will allow Moscow to create more high-paying jobs and attract further investment to the city," said Eduard Lysenko, head of the IT department of Moscow.