Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. announced Wednesday it's partnering with Russian mobile phone operator MegaFon to develop 5G networks for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be the 21st World Cup and the first to be held in the region of former Soviet Union.

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Huawei plans to work with MegaFon, one of Russia's leading telecom service providers, to deploy and test 5G networks in time for the World Cup. The 5G networks aim to provide network coverage for the tournament.

"Thanks to this memorandum, Russia will be among pioneers to enjoy next generation mobile telecommunications. It is particularly important that this happens on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2018." said Mikhail Dubin, MegaFon's executive director of consumer business.

Reports say the tournament will be hosted in 11 Russian cities. Over a million foreign visitors and fans are expected to attend the tournament, according to official reports.

"With the help of MegaFon, we are confident of turning science-fiction-like service into 5G reality for citizens in Russia and soccer fans around the world, two years ahead of the industry's estimated 5G introduction date of 2020," said Ryan Ding, Huawei's president of products and solutions.

Reports claim the 5G network trials will be the first in Russia. MegaFon will be the first firm to develop and standardize a communications technology in Russia.

"MegaFon is a mobile data leader in Russia. Fast Internet speed and high quality services are our key advantages and we are aim to maintain this valuable quality for our clients." said Dubin.

"MegaFon was the first mobile operator in the world to offer LTE to guests and participants of the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games."

Huawei recently invested US$8 million in the University of Surrey in the U.K. to expand research and development in 5G networking technology. The Chinese giant also plans to deploy a Wi-Fi network at the Washington Redskins Stadium in the U.S. by the end of 2014.

TagsHuawei, MegaFon, 2018 World Cup, Russia, Soviet Union, International Men's Football Tournament, Univeristy of Surrey, UK, Research and Development, Wi-Fi Network, Washington Redskins Stadium, US