• Russia's digital ministry says independent virtual mobile operators cannot offer 5G under the country's latest spectrum decision
  • An industry executive disputes that reading, leaving independent MVNOs uncertain about whether host networks will be allowed to provide them with 5G

The fact

Russia's digital ministry says independent virtual mobile operators cannot provide 5G under the country's latest spectrum decision, ComNews reported on 8 September, citing a ministry spokesperson and the commission's protocol.

The reported exceptions include Rostelecom and Yota. Oleg Teplov, an executive at PSB, disputed whether the decision amounts to a direct ban. He argued that virtual operators use their host networks rather than holding spectrum themselves and said he expected their interests to be considered before mass deployment.

The spectrum decision was made on 31 August. ComNews previously reported that Russia's four major mobile networks were allowed to reuse frequencies assigned for 4G and were each allocated 90MHz in the 4.63–4.99GHz range without an auction.

The ministry has linked the decision to faster 5G deployment, with coverage planned in popular locations in cities of more than one million people by the end of 2028. Spectrum permission does not mean those networks are already commercially available.

The assessment

Independent MVNOs sell mobile services over networks run by larger operators. The question is therefore whether their agreements with those host networks also cover 5G. If the ministry's interpretation stands, an existing contract would not automatically guarantee access. Operators and MVNOs may need to state those rights explicitly.

The reported exceptions make the issue more complicated. A brand owned by a network operator could receive 5G while an independent MVNO using the same physical network could face different rules. MegaFon says network owners carry the cost of investment and coverage obligations. Teplov argues that MVNOs use those networks rather than hold spectrum themselves, so their access should be treated differently from that of a separate spectrum holder.

For BTW readers, the immediate issue is contractual. An independent MVNO signing a longer hosting agreement needs to know whether 5G is included and what happens if regulation later prevents access. The ministry's interpretation is still disputed, so neither full access nor a permanent ban can yet be treated as settled.

What to watch

Watch for the ministry to clarify whether independent MVNOs can receive 5G through their host networks and whether the rules treat affiliated and independent brands differently. The first hosting agreement that explicitly sets out 5G access would show how the policy works in a commercial relationship.