Russia has the potential to become a world leader in advanced mobile communications if it follows a transparent and objective approach to licensing third-generation spectrum, according to the GSM Association. The mobile sector in Russia has achieved extraordinary growth over the past three years - the number of mobile connections has more than quadrupled to 146mn - thanks to a government policy that has allowed market forces to thrive. The Russian government recently announced that it will tender 3G licenses in the 2GHz spectrum band early next year. The smooth licensing and rollout of 3G networks would enable Russians to use their handsets to access the Internet at high-speeds, download video and audio clips and tap a host of other mobile broadband services, as well as to connect desktops and laptops to the Internet using wireless broadband.
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