MTS opens 5G access in five cities and activates the network on LTE spectrum
MTS opened 46 zones in the 4.9 GHz band and began activating fifth-generation service on 2100 MHz LTE spectrum in 16 cities.
MTS has opened 46 former 5G trial zones in the 4.9 GHz band to subscribers. They are located in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Ufa. The operator has also begun activating 5G on existing 2100 MHz LTE spectrum in 16 cities.
Two approaches to coverage
The 4.9 GHz band offers high capacity but requires a denser radio network. The first stage therefore covers selected high-traffic locations. MTS advertises a peak rate of up to 1.5 Gbit/s; actual performance depends on the device, signal, network load, and available bandwidth.
Using 2100 MHz can extend the new standard more quickly over existing infrastructure. The trade-off is shared spectrum capacity and a result that depends on the current LTE configuration.
What the launch changes for businesses
For enterprise use, predictable coverage, latency, and device availability matter more than a laboratory peak. The initial zones allow teams to test mobile access for field staff, live production, temporary sites, and backup connectivity without assuming city-wide service.
Before a pilot, measure:
- exact indoor and employee-route coverage;
- median throughput and latency at busy times;
- handover behaviour between 5G and LTE;
- the effect on device battery life;
- tariff terms and traffic restrictions;
- a backup path for critical processes.
The launch marks a move from invitation-only trials to open subscriber access. Network maturity should still be judged by the growth of continuous coverage and stable user metrics, not by the maximum speed of an individual zone.
Source: MTS’s official announcement dated 11 September 2026.
Primary source: MTS: launch of public 5G access
