Russia plans to charge for international internet traffic and tighten control over providers – intelligence
Kyiv • UNN
Russia will introduce a $2 per GB fee for international traffic to combat VPNs. Due to new licensing requirements, over 90% of providers will face the threat of liquidation.
The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation is developing a system of measures designed to transform the Russian segment of the internet into an infrastructure fully controlled by the state. Instead of obvious blocking, there will be slow economic and licensing suppression that the average user will feel gradually: through increased bills, poor connection, and a lack of alternatives. This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service, according to UNN.
The central initiative is the introduction of a fee for the use of international internet traffic for mobile subscribers. The estimated rate is about 2 dollars per gigabyte. Officially, this is presented as a change in the tariff model; however, the true goal is to make the constant use of VPNs financially unbearable. The average active user consumes 25–30 GB per month, and if a VPN is constantly turned on, all this traffic could be classified as international, even if the person is simply reading Russian news or watching TV series. Telecom operators themselves proved to be technically unprepared for such a transition and requested a postponement until at least September 1,
In parallel, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development is pushing a radical licensing reform. The current 17 types of licenses are planned to be reduced to three, while sharply increasing the financial thresholds for market entry. A basic license will require capital of at least 66,000 dollars, a universal one – about 400,000, and a general one – over 1.3 million. The current minimum authorized capital for a telecom operator in the Russian Federation is approximately 134 dollars.
The consequences for the market will be devastating. Out of more than 4,200 active broadband operators, only a small fraction will be able to meet the new requirements. More than 90% of small providers – internet companies, cable TV, regional operators – will face the threat of liquidation or takeover. The market will consolidate around several large federal structures, which de facto means its transition under direct state control,
Separately, a ban on the provision of communication services by individual entrepreneurs and companies that have not installed SORM – a system of operational-search activities that provides the FSB with direct access to subscriber traffic and data – is being discussed. Previously, up to two years were allocated for the implementation of SORM; new rules could significantly shorten this period. The Ministry of Digital Development is also seeking the restoration of scheduled inspections of operators, despite a moratorium in effect until 2030.
Separately, a ban on the provision of communication services by individual entrepreneurs and companies that have not installed SORM – a system of operational-search activities that provides the FSB with direct access to subscriber traffic and data – is being discussed. Previously, up to two years were allocated for the implementation of SORM; new rules could significantly shorten this period. The Ministry of Digital Development is also seeking the restoration of scheduled inspections of operators, despite a moratorium in effect until 2030.