3G Maturing in Russia
Source: http://www.sotovik.ru/, June 16 2009
MTS reports about 3G networks deployment.
First 3G networks of MTS were put into operation in Sankt-Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan and Yekaterinburg on May 28, 2008. Today 3G networks are operating in 28 cities of Russian Federation and 40 more will be added by the end of 2009.
This year MTS investments in 3G will remain the same as last year, equaling to $700 million. However MTS goal is not to cover maximum number of cities with 3G networks. During network deployment the priority is given to those cities where maximum return on investments can be gained. This explains 115% growth of MTS profits versus average market profit growth of 87%.
In 3G networks traffic grows manifold from quarter to quarter and such dynamics still persists. Correspondingly, the operator’s profit also grows. MTS profit in the first quarter of 2009 went up 2.7 times in comparison to the company’s profit in the fourth quarter of 2008.
In Moscow 3G networks will be deployed inside buildings and subway. The operator received a license to deploy 3G base stations in 35 facilities. Among them are: Tower 2000 “Domodedovo”, in Moscow City district, Crocus City, International Trade Center, business center Novinskyi, Arbat-Alpha-Center, Lotte Plaza, trading centers TSUM, Atrium, Evropeiskyi, Moskva, Gorbushkin Dom, and IKEA. In future actual testing of capacity and azimuths of antenna radiation will be conducted during the network launch at each facility.
Also the issue of using 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies for 3G network deployment is being discussed with the regulating authority. But at present more questions than answers arise in regard to this issue. And the main questions related to the issue are compatibility with other technical devices operating on these frequencies, lack of corresponding terminals, and decline in quality of communications for owners of regular GSM mobiles. In Moscow subway 3G network at first will be deployed along whole Koltsevaya lane, where slotted radiation-emitting cable will be installed in station-to-station blocks. This year 3G communications should be established in Sokolniki lane. And MTS is planning to cover two other subway lanes as well. For now the operator upgrades radiation-emitting devices in subway stations.
