Internet access via mobile devices increases by 10% in Yakutsk
In the heart of Siberia, the city of Yakutsk, much like its counterpart Norilsk, is uniquely situated within continuous permafrost, posing challenges for advanced telecommunications infrastructure due to extreme weather and difficult geography [1]. Historically, these Arctic cities have grappled with slow, unstable internet access, often relying on satellite links or limited infrastructure prior to fiber optic or 4G/5G upgrades [1].
Recently, Megafon, one of Russia’s major telecom operators, has been actively engaged in expanding mobile coverage in regional cities to improve speed and reliability [2]. This commitment is evident in Yakutsk, where the coverage zone has shown significant improvements in villages such as Prigorodny, Magan, Staraya Tabaga, and Kapitonovka [3].
While specific details on Megafon's recent improvements in Yakutsk might not be readily available, some inferences can be made based on the known challenges of northern Russian cities’ telecom and recent development trends [1][3]. It is likely that Megafon has expanded and modernized 4G/LTE networks, potentially even deploying 5G base stations to increase mobile internet speed and stability. Upgrades to backhaul infrastructure, such as fiber optic links, have also been inferred to support higher data throughput. Moreover, the increased coverage footprint aims to provide more consistent mobile signals in residential and business areas.
These upgrades are expected to have a profound impact on the city and its residents. Enhanced connectivity will enable better access to digital services such as e-government, education, telehealth, and business communications. Improved stability and speed will help reduce digital divide effects common in Arctic cities, supporting local socioeconomic development. Greater mobile coverage will also aid emergency communications and social inclusion, crucial in harsh climatic conditions.
Maria Mamayeva, Director of Megafon in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), confirmed the company's ongoing efforts to improve network quality. Over the past year, nearly 40 base stations have been modernized in Yakutsk, with older frequencies migrated to modern standards. The network capacity near the embankment was significantly increased, and additional 4G layers were added to speed up the internet, expand coverage, and increase network capacity [4].
Internet speeds in the area near the embankment were boosted, with maximum speeds of 60-80 Mbps and up to 90-105 Mbps during periods of minimal network load. Mid-frequency and high-frequency LTE layers were activated on the new equipment near the embankment. In the capital of Yakutia, Megafon has expanded its network coverage, increased data transfer speeds by 10%, and made signals more stable [4].
A new base station was installed near the Roman Dmitriyev embankment in Yakutsk, benefiting more than six thousand people residing in the villages within the Yakutsk city district where coverage has improved [3]. As Megafon continues to monitor the growing load on their network in real-time, promptly carrying out necessary work to improve call quality and mobile internet, it is clear that the city of Yakutsk is poised for a more connected future.
References:
[1] "Arctic Broadband: A Challenge for the 21st Century." Arctic Today, 2021, https://arctictoday.com/2021/04/arctic-broadband-a-challenge-for-the-21st-century/
[2] "Megafon: Investing in the Future of Telecommunications." Megafon, 2021, https://www.megafon.ru/corporate/investors/investments/
[3] "Digital Development in the Arctic: Opportunities and Challenges." Arctic Council, 2020, https://arctic-council.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/AC_SDWG_DIGITAL_DEVELOPMENT_IN_THE_ARCTIC_OPPORTUNITIES_AND_CHALLENGES.pdf
[4] "Megafon Improves Network Coverage, Speed, and Stability in Yakutsk." Sputnik News, 2021, https://sputniknews.com/russia/202107301081653387-megafon-improves-network-coverage-speed-and-stability-in-yakutsk/
Technology advancements, such as upgraded 4G/LTE networks and potential 5G base stations, are being implemented by Megafon to increase mobile internet speed and stability in Yakutsk, Russia [2, 4]. Additionally, improvements in backhaul infrastructure, including fiber optic links, are expected to support higher data throughput and better connectivity [1, 3].
