J'son & Partners Consulting: "The development of 3G networks in Russia"

Company J'son & Partners Consulting summed up results of the study "Development of 3G networks in Russia," whose purpose was to examine the current state of third-generation networks in Russia and the willingness of operators to international cooperation with 3G operators in the world. In particular, this report says that despite the crisis, the operators of the "big three" quite actively investing in a network of third generation (3G), and this segment is currently one of the drivers Russia's telecommunications market. Recent actions by the President on the "frequency problem" - the main deterrent to the development of the domestic wireless market - give hope that these issues are finally resolved. Clearing of the spectrum for civilian communications, in particular, will Muscovites use their 3G terminals for its intended purpose in the very near future.

In terms of regions, in which networks are deployed 3G, leading company VimpelCom. As of November 25, 2009 the operator has built a UMTS network in all 83 regions of Russia, and in 76 regions of the network is in commercial use. Followed by MegaFon (51 region), SkyLink (32 regions) and MTS (30 regions).

Thus, at present almost all regions of Russia covered by networks of 3G, but some of them are not yet put into commercial operation. In most regions of the signal from the base station is available only in the central districts of large cities, with the development of networks will cover all new territories.

The largest number of 3G networks is on the Volga Federal District (39 networks), followed by Central and North-West Federal District (33 and 31 of the network, respectively). Moscow 3G/UMTS networks operate only in standby indoor (indoor); launch such networks in the mode of outdoor (outdoor) is expected in late 2009 - early 2010.

With the development of third generation networks in Russia have created a need for the subscribers roaming.

According to the survey the largest number of 3G roaming partners, the company VimpelCom. Customers can take advantage of 3G services roaming in the networks of 108 operators, who are in 71 countries.

The second largest number of 3G roaming partners took the company MegaFon. Network operator MegaFon subscribers can use 3G roaming in the networks of 88 operators who are in 55 countries.

Third largest number of 3G roaming partners, the company MTS, which is slightly behind on this indicator from MegaFon. MTS subscribers can use 3G roaming in the networks of 86 operators who are in 53 countries.