MTS, a leading Russian mobile operator and media and digital services provider, said Tuesday it has received the country’s first license for 5G operations in the 24.25-24.65 GHz mmWave band under the 5G/IMT-2020 standard.

“Obtaining Russia’s first 5G license is a historic moment for our industry, bringing us one step closer to a new era in the history of communications, digitalization, and information technology,” MTS President and CEO Alexey Kornya said in a statement.

“While we still have a long way to go before mass adoption, it’s already clear that in the next few years, 5G is set to impact every industry and become a key growth driver for the economy as a whole,” he said.

The license covers 83 Russian regions and expires July 16, 2025.(Xinhua)