Wireless Networks

Russia’s first LTE network deployed in Kazan

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The Russian city of Kazan has become the newest beneficiary of LTE technology, having played host to the launch of what is believed to be Russia’s first LTE network...

The Russian city of Kazan has become the newest beneficiary of LTE technology, having played host to the launch of what is believed to be Russia’s first LTE network. Launched by the mobile broadband operator Yota, the trial network is now offering services such as live 3D-video conferencing and HD video streaming.

The network features 147 base stations across the city of Kazan, which with a population of over 1 million is Russia’s third largest city, and the regional capital of Tartarstan. Yota may face competition in the area, as MegaFon – Russia’s third largest operator – is reportedly also planning to deploy its first LTE network in Kazan, with services expected to launch soon.

Network infrastructure was built in just two months, while Yota is keen to stress the quality of service, claiming that the network enabled download speeds of up to 100Mb/s under lab test conditions. Until recently, Yota’s operations were concentrated on WiMAX technology, and its adoption of LTE is considered a significant turnaround for the firm.

Yota has invested US$20 million into the network, and has plans to invest a further US$80 million in building LTE networks across four more Russian cities this year. The Kazan launch indicates that Yota’s current licence has qualified it to deploy LTE services – contrary to previous reports.



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