The Big Four operators launched 5G in 16 Russian cities, 10 million subscribers received access

The Big Four telecom operators have launched 5G in 16 Russian cities, with 10 million subscribers already receiving access.

iPhone owners' access to 5G depends on Apple's decision, while Android users will be able to use the network in the near future.

Telecom operators have long been preparing the network and customer devices for the phased launch of fifth-generation communications, modernizing the network core and developing infrastructure.

MOSCOW, September 11 - RIA Novosti. The 5G network will be available to Android users; iPhone owners’ access to 5G depends on Apple’s decision, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development said.

Earlier on Friday, the department reported that the Big Four telecom operators have launched 5G in 16 cities in Russia, 10 million subscribers have already received access, and the launch in another 50 cities is being worked on by the end of the year.

“In the very near future, all owners of devices on the Android platform will be able to use the services in these cities. Access of iPhone owners to 5G depends on the decision of Apple Corporation,” the department said in a statement.

Megafon CEO Khachatur Pombukhchan, whose words are quoted by the Ministry of Digital Development, notes that the fifth generation network is fast Internet for large cities and at the same time the foundation for the digital transformation of industry in industrial clusters throughout the country.

In addition, Beeline CEO Sergei Anokhin said that “an event occurred that, without exaggeration, the entire market and customers were waiting for.” He added that the companies had long been preparing the network and customer devices for the phased launch of fifth-generation communications - they modernized the network core and worked on developing the infrastructure, relying on feedback from users.

In turn, T2 CEO Anton Godovikov commented that the commercial launch of 5G networks is another historical milestone in the development of communications in Russia. “This is the result of tremendous work by the industry, the regulator and the audience, which pushed us to develop the optimal scenario,” he said.