The Russian telco currently provides commercial services in more than 60 regions across the nation.
Russian mobile operator Tele2 Russia plans to launch commercial mobile services in the Moscow area Oct. 22, according to the company. Tele2 aims to launch services in metropolitan Moscow and the Moscow region. In the metro area the operator said it plans to provide full network coverage, including voice, high-speed wireless Internet and support retail distribution.
Tele2’s mobile network currently operates in more than 60 of Russia’s 85 regions. The operator offers 3G and “4G” services in at least 54 regions across the country. Tele2 is currently Russia’s No. 4 mobile operator with approximately 35 million subscribers, and is 55%-owned by VTB Group and associated investors, while Russian telecom operator Rostelecom owns a 45% stake.
Tele2 started operations in Russia in 2003 when it launched a GSM network in several regions across the country. In 2013, Swedish Tele2 AB sold the Russian subsidiary to VTB Group. In February 2014, Tele2 and Rostelecom merged their assets and announced the launch of nationwide mobile operations.
Huawei, Surrey University partner to open 5G innovation center
Chinese telecom equipment provider Huawei is one of a handful of partner with the University of Surrey for the opening of a 5G Innovation Centre at Surrey University’s campus in Guildford, U.K.
At the opening ceremony, Huawei streamed ultra-high-definition video and a range of “Internet of Things” applications over a “5G” air interface on the test bed it has helped install on the university’s campus.
“Globally we will work closely with research institutions, operators and small enterprises, to turn the 5G dream into reality. The 5GIC will play an important role in this by helping us start testing foundational 5G technologies as early as possible,” said Huawei Wireless CTO and 5G Principal Scientist Tong Wen.
As one of the founding members of the 5GIC, Huawei said it has actively participated in the building of the 5GIC test bed, providing expertise and a full set of network test equipment for the large scale radio access trial. Huawei said it is investing £5 million into the 5GIC, part of the $600 million the company is committing to 5G research and innovation globally between 2014 and 2018.
