Russia Sets Sights on 6G by 2028—With Satellites Leading the Charge

The next-generation network promises seamless, high-speed internet access—even in the most remote corners of the largest country on Earth.

While the rest of the world is still rolling out 5G, Russia is already laying the groundwork for what comes next. According to Aleksey Shelobkov, CEO of ICS Holding, 6G isn’t science fiction—it’s a three-year roadmap.

Shelobkov’s group includes Bureau 1440, the company behind Russia’s emerging low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. Six domestically developed satellites are already in orbit and fully operational, marking the first steps toward what could become Russia’s most ambitious digital infrastructure project to date.

Ground-to-Orbit Integration: The Core of 6G

The vision for 6G hinges on deep integration between terrestrial and orbital networks. The result? Ubiquitous, ultra-fast, and uninterrupted internet—across cities, rural areas, and even transit corridors like railways and commercial flights.

Shelobokov envisions a future where connectivity is no longer tied to geography: “We’re talking about true seamless coverage,” he explains, “whether you're on a Siberian plateau, in a high-speed train, or midair at 30,000 feet.”

From Theory to Engineering

While full-flight internet access is already technically viable, Shelobokov cautions that specific rollout timelines remain fluid, especially for in-flight implementation. But the goal is clear: to bring Russia into the era of spatially resilient communications—where data isn’t just fast, but perpetually within reach.

As global tech powers race to define what 6G will look like, Russia is positioning itself not just as a participant, but as a frontrunner—turning orbital ambition into national infrastructure.