Sochi to roll out 4G wireless Network in time For Winter Olympics

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MegaFon and Rostelcom, Sochi 2014 general partners, have run successful tests on the Fourth Generation (4G) wireless data network that is scheduled to be used for the Games. By the first quarter of next year, a full scale test will be executed at the major Olympic area.

Tests showed that data transmission rates reach 100 Mbps which indicates that the Sochi 2014 Games will benefit from 4G networks, which have over 10 times more capacity than 3G.

The system was tested close to the major Sochi 2014 site, Roza Khutor, and operates on LTE (Long-Term Evolution) protocol. Given the location in the challenging mountainous region this proves that the Russian telecom firms are ready to develop the most advanced communication technology in preparation for Sochi 2014.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, expressed his interests in the benefits that modern communication technology can bring to Russia’s first Winter Games. Lightning-fast information dissemination is a reality of today’s world so it is incredibly important that we provide a high-quality service for the participants and guests of the Games, offering them a new approach to accessing the information.

MegaFon provides communication and data services throughout the entire territory of the Russian Federation with a population over 142 million people.

The CEO of MegaFon, Sergey Soldatenkov, mentions: “The test launch for the 4G network has confirmed its clear advantages over any existing communication network. We will be showcasing the 4G capabilities with during the Sochi 2014 test event in Roza Khutor in February 2011 with a roll-out of full-scale LTE networks.”

Rostelecom, is Russia’s national telecommunications operator and owns and operates a nationwide network (about 160,000 km in length) providing telecommunication services.

General Director of Rostelecom, Alexander Provotorov, said, “The Sochi 2014 Telecommunication Partners have a clear task to provide the highest level of telecom support during the Games. They have all the necessary resources for that, including the strategic vision for creating a perfect communication infrastructure in Sochi, which will help the Olympic host city, become internationally renowned for its telecommunications leadership.”

The winter Games will be held in Sochi, Russia between 7-23 February 2014 at the Black Sea resort destination.