А1 and MTS joined their efforts to improve the quality of communication and Internet in remote settlements of Belarus

A1 and MTS have expanded the network coverage and improved the quality of communication and data transfer in remote settlements and hard-to-reach areas. This was done with the help of RAN Sharing, a technology that allows operators to use each other's networks to provide better services to subscribers.

At the testing stage RAN Sharing has already shown its effectiveness. Subscribers in all the regions of Belarus will appreciate the improved quality of voice calls and mobile Internet. At the same time, they will feel particular changes in sparsely populated and rural areas.

A1 and MTS will implement together the RAN (Radio access network) Sharing launching project. It involves the joint use of radio access networks and infrastructure by both mobile operators. The companies agreed on a parity basis to include 369 additional sectors of base stations each, located in places where previously an unstable signal could be observed.

In this way, mobile operators improve the quality of service for their subscribers without spending time and significant funds to modernize their own network or build new base stations.

The technology is being tested for the first time in the 900 MHz band, which is used in sparsely populated rural areas, as well as in conditions of a difficult landscape or in the presence of objects that prevent signal penetration.

The project is planned to become fully commercially operational in the first quarter of 2023.