Due to problems with the range for LTE and the cessation of deliveries of network equipment to Russia, there was a shortage of frequencies in fourth-generation networks. Some operators have started using frequencies that are intended for 3G. This is reported by the publication “Izvestia” with reference to operators and industry experts who predict a further decrease in the speed of mobile Internet.
In particular, in the Moscow region, VimpelCom used for 4G frequencies in the 2.1 GHz band, which were originally allocated for third-generation networks. In practice, this action is called refarming, it allows you to partially solve the problem with the shortage of LTE frequencies, which leads to an increase in traffic and a drop in Internet speed. Thus, the region managed to improve the situation and speed up the Internet by an average of 1.5 times. In the Moscow region, similar problems were noted before, but the lack of new frequencies was compensated by the installation of additional base stations. Now things are worse with this due to the cessation of deliveries of new equipment to the Russian Federation.
According to TelecomDaily, the decrease in the speed of mobile Internet in Russia began a long time ago. From November 2021 to March 2022, the speed decreased from 21.7 Mbps to 21 Mbps. By the end of the year, a further decrease of about 1 Mbps is expected. So far, the situation is saved by the fact that operators have accumulated stocks of equipment. The Ministry of Digital Development claims that the problem concerns only some million-plus cities, and operators have tools for sharing the radio frequency spectrum for more efficient use in problem areas.
Experts believe that with the growth of mobile Internet traffic and the lack of equipment, operators will sooner or later reach the limits of network bandwidth. The situation could be corrected by the removal of restrictions on the use of some ranges that are not intended for civilian use. In any case, this is a temporary solution, and a full-fledged way out of the situation could be the development and implementation of 5G.
Source: Trash Box
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