This was reported by the Russian “Izvestia” with reference to their own knowledgeable resource in the mobile market. Used base stations can be used by operators for installation in the network, as well as to replace defective individual units.

We are working to ensure that possible commercial and technological restrictions do not affect the quality of services, and we are also making plans to modernize the networks and develop the company. We are currently busy reconfiguring networks, deciding to purchase equipment, and starting testing new solutions for interchangeability and compatibility with existing infrastructure,
– The MTS representative told the broadcast.

A knowledgeable source believes operators are unlikely to buy and sell equipment for fear of sanctions. Most likely, this will be done by non-public brokerage firms.

The publication states that this approach will allow enough base stations to be purchased to cover a medium-sized city or a small region. Used equipment for LTE networks is now on the world market, as many operators are engaged in 5G / 5G-ready applications launching fourth-generation base stations.

At the same time, it should be noted that used equipment may fail more often and require repairs, which Russian operators cannot do, since it will not have components to replace. In addition, it will be more difficult to choose quality equipment, because if they at least give something, you have to take what they give.

Communication companies do not sell equipment to Russia

• In early April, Nokia and Ericsson, Europe’s largest telecommunications equipment manufacturers, announced that they were shutting down in Russia.
• During this time, the Chinese Huawei froze the signing of new contracts for the supply of equipment to Russian companies.
• According to the Mobile Research Group, in 2021 the share of Huawei equipment in the networks of Russian telecom operators was 40%, while Ericsson and Nokia accounted for 25% and 15%, respectively.