MTS has announced the deployment of domestically produced LTE base stations, marking a significant milestone for the telecommunications sector in Russia. Starting with the introduction of 200 LTE base stations manufactured by IRTEYA, MTS plans to roll out these stations across its network, which spans 37 regions throughout the country.
The rollout begins with commercial experience expected to be gained by the end of 2024. Specifically, the company will install 200 LTE stations configured for both LTE 800 and LTE 1800 standards. Enthusiastically positioned as the first large-scale undertaking of its kind, the initiative is framed as pivotal to achieving technological sovereignty.
According to MTS's Vice President of Technology, Viktor Belov, "The launch of domestically produced base stations is a huge leap forward for the entire telecommunications industry and constitutes an important component of Russia's technological sovereignty."
The new equipment, developed and manufactured by IRTEYA—a telecom vendor partially owned by MTS (holding 50% of the shares)—is expected to undergo trials under real-life conditions, allowing MTS engineers to obtain valuable operational experience as they test the stations across various climatic zones.
The planned deployment includes areas from the Far East and Siberia to regions located throughout Europe's southern part. Ms. Zhanna Doroshova, MTS Director for the Republic of Buryatia, added, "The emergence of local equipment on our network will be the long-awaited step for the telecom sector of the region. I would like to note, though, residents of Buryatia will be among the first to experience the capabilities of this new technology."
MTS announced the broader phase of the rollout will see the addition of 1,000 new LTE stations throughout Russia by the end of 2025. The architecture for these stations is based on Open RAN standards and cloud-based radio subsystem configurations, where part of the base station's operation is processed at data centers.
The initiative is not only positioned as beneficial for enhancing connectivity and quality for consumers but is also seen as aligning with the Russian government's digital transformation initiatives. Analysts predict 2025 to depict substantial growth within this sector, particularly as more companies recognize the importance of adopting homegrown technologies amid global supply chain disruptions.
MTS is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media within the framework of the roadmap titled "Modern and Prospective Mobile Communication Networks" to realize these ambitious plans. The implementation of these base stations is aimed at bridging the connectivity gap faced by rural areas, especially as various regions continue to modernize their infrastructure following the impacts of global events.
By introducing these domestically produced base stations, MTS is underscoring its commitment to enhancing rural connectivity and subsequent service for enterprises and individuals alike, which has long been cited as a major issue for telecommunications providers.
The MTS initiative follows several industry conversations about the need for localized manufacturing capabilities and resilience within the sector, particularly as demand for scalable and reliable telecommunications infrastructure continues to rise due to increased connectivity needs fueled by remote work and digital services.
All eyes will be on the operational performance of these base stations as they roll out, with the expectation they will significantly improve internet speeds and stability for users across Buryatia and beyond. It remains to be seen how this project will influence future technological developments within the broader mobile communications sphere and whether other players will follow MTS's lead.