Russian Mobile Revolution Sparks Fight for Network Orders

Russian mobile carriers are gearing up for about $13 billion in spending to boost data speeds, creating the next major battleground for network suppliers. Russia is, by land mass, the largest country in the world, making it potentially tremendously lucrative for makers of equipment such as base stations and antennas.

It has trailed the U.S. and Europe in wireless infrastructure, leaving consumers unable to enjoy video streaming and quick browsing. Sweden’s Ericsson AB, the No. 1 maker of wireless networks, and Finland’s Nokia Siemens Networks have won some of the early contracts. They will face challenges from competitors such as China’s Huawei Technologies Co. for the rest of the deals.