software upgrade end
The sources said the biggest hurdle for mobile operators to keep their networks operational will be a lack of software upgrades — Nokia and Ericsson said they will stop software updates until next year — and patches.
The software integrates a series of devices that form a telecom network, converting analog and digital signals; monitors and optimizes network traffic; and protects infrastructure against cyber attacks.
While mobile operators may hoard hardware parts for future use, they are dependent on a regular schedule of licensed software updates and patches to maintain the integrity of the network.
“Undoubtedly, software patches are paramount to ensuring that networks remain operational, safe, secure and reliable,” said Paolo Pescatore, an analyst at PP Foresight.
Two industry sources said Russian telecom operators stockpiled foreign-made parts in February and March before the sanctions, but that inventory will drop after Nokia and Ericsson pull the plug on December 31.
Industry sources said consolidation among Russian operators at the behest of the government could also allow them to share equipment and resources to make networks last longer.
Huawei, which stopped selling new devices to Russia when the United States began sanctioning Russia, has also stopped selling its smartphones in the country, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Huawei has not publicly disclosed its position in Russia and declined to comment.