Russia

Mobile networks and carriers in Russia use 2 GSM bands, 2 UMTS bands, 9 LTE bands, and 6 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Russia. See the tables below for details.

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Russia's mobile network development began with the establishment of the first Russian FidoNet node in October 1990 in Novosibirsk, which contributed to the development of Runet, the Russian internet network. The USSR was included in FidoNet's Region 50, and this activity played a significant role in the early days of Russian internet connectivity.

In the early 1990s, mobile network infrastructure started to expand. The first commercial mobile network in Russia was launched in 1994, with the introduction of GSM technology. By the mid-1990s, mobile networks had become a popular means of communication, especially in urban areas.

In 2005, the Chelyabinsk-Khabarovsk Fiber-Optic Communication Line was laid down, extending for 10,000 kilometers and offering a minimum transmission rate of 120 Gigabits per second. This significant upgrade in fiber-optic infrastructure supported the rapid expansion of mobile networks across the country.

By 2010, mobile operators like MegaFon had begun constructing backbone nodes for high-speed IP/MPLS networks in major cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. This investment aimed to improve mobile network penetration and provide faster data services.

In 2019, a major project aimed to enhance mobile network infrastructure and provide cloud-based services for enterprises. This project, which will be executed until 2026, includes the upgrade of cellular network infrastructure and the deployment of cloud services. The goal is to increase broadband internet availability, improve digital integration of small cities, and enhance data security for enterprises.

Today, Russia's mobile network infrastructure is robust, with extensive coverage and high-speed data services available across the country. Despite the challenges posed by the digital divide, particularly in rural areas, significant efforts are being made to expand and improve mobile network services.

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Carriers

Name	# of frequency bands in use
Beeline	10
MegaFon	16
MTS (Mobile TeleSystems)	14
Tele2	8
Yota	8

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Frequencies in use

GSM

Name	Interface
900 MHz (E-GSM)	GSM
1800 MHz (DCS)	GSM

UMTS

Name	Interface
B1 (2100 MHz)	UMTS
B8 (900 MHz GSM)	UMTS

LTE

Name	Interface
B1 (2100 MHz)	LTE
B3 (1800 MHz +)	LTE
B7 (2600 MHz)	LTE
B8 (900 MHz)	LTE
B20 (800 MHz DD)	LTE
B34 (TD 2000 MHz)	LTE
B38 (TD 2600 MHz)	LTE
B40 (TD 2300 MHz)	LTE
B41 (TD 2500 MHz)	LTE

5G NR

Name	Interface
N1 (2100 MHz)	5G NR
N7 (2600 MHz)	5G NR
N78 (3500 MHz)	5G NR
N79 (4700 MHz)	5G NR
N257 (mmWave 28 GHz)	5G NR
N258 (mmWave 26 GHz)	5G NR

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