A1 made the 4G and 3G coverage even across the Gomel Region

Starting from August 1, A1 telecom, ICT and content service provider and the beCloud infrastructure operator are expanding the 4G network coverage area for A1 subscribers in Gomel Region. The region will be the first in Belarus where 3G and 4G coverage areas will be evened and where access to high-speed Internet using LTE technology will be provided not only to citizens, but also to residents of rural areas.

For the first time in Belarus, a new 800 MHz frequency range, which has a wide coverage, was used to expand the 4G coverage area. That way, the new range will cover approximately 400 base stations. Prior to their launch, 97.5% of the Gomel Region was covered by the 3G network provided by A1, and 4G communication could only be used in the cities of the region. Now 96.4% of the territory is covered by the LTE coverage area, which means that 99.9% of the region's population from more than 2,600 settlements will be able to use 4G communication services.

Moreover, thanks to the fourth generation communication, A1 subscribers in the region will have access to VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, which allows to improve the quality of calls and broadcast voice in HD Voice standard.

The deployment of the 4G network in Gomel Region by A1 took place in collaboration with beCloud. To launch the LTE network, A1 partially provided its technological infrastructure to the beCloud operator: an infrastructure of over 300 base stations, as well as a transport network based on hybrid, radio relay and fiber-optic communication lines.

The launch of the LTE network in Mogilev and Vitebsk Regions is planned for 2021. The 4G network coverage area for A1 subscribers will be equal to the current A1's 3G network coverage area across the country by 2023, providing access to high-speed 4G mobile Internet to residents of Belarus across more than 97% of the country.

To make sure your mobile device and SIM card support 4G technology, A1 subscribers will need to check the selected cellular network settings, 3G/4G or LTE, in the smartphone settings. The corresponding designation, which confirms the possibility to use the transmission service, will appear on the device screen.

To check whether the 4G network is supported by SIM cards, A1 subscribers may use a free USSD request *181#. In response, the operator will send an SMS with the result of the check of the smartphone and the SIM card. If your SIM card does not support 4G, it can be replaced free-of-charge in any of the company stores or dealership centers. At the same place, company's subscribers can subscribe or switch to the new No Limit service plan, which provides its subscribers with Internet access of unlimited speed and volume, as well as 500 minutes of calls to all networks to fully assess the quality and coverage of the 4G network in the region.