MTS started testing street radio coverage of 3G network in Moscow

Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (MTS), the largest cellular operator in the Russian Federation, has begun testing a third-generation (3G) street radio coverage in Moscow, the company said.

It is planned that studies to confirm the possibility and conditions for the joint operation of external radio coverage of the 3G network with military electronic devices will be completed by the end of June 2009.
')

In addition, the report said, MTS received the expert opinion of the Main Radio Frequency Center on the possibility of using 3G base stations in buildings and structures of Moscow, the Moscow metro, as well as in the Moscow region. In particular, the conclusion determines the operating parameters of base stations 3G in terms of power, height and directivity of antennas. The document will allow MTS to obtain a permit for commercial operation of the 3G network in these areas and to start providing services to subscribers.

The first fragments of the third generation MTS network in Moscow and the Moscow Region may be put into commercial operation this year.

MTS, along with two other Big Three operators, VimpelCom (the Beeline trademark) and MegaFon, received licenses in 2007 to provide third-generation cellular services in all regions of Russia, including Moscow and the Moscow Region. MTS first launched its 3G network into commercial operation in May 2008 in St. Petersburg.

In Moscow, the 3G network has not yet been launched by any cellular operator. This is due to the lack of radio frequency spectrum in the appropriate range, since most of them are occupied by special services equipment.