Russia’s Telecom Licensing Reform Threatens Internet Access in 27 Regions

The Digital Development Ministry’s plan to replace 17 telecom licenses with three—basic, universal, and general—would raise entry costs to between one and 50 million rubles and impose stricter capital and coverage requirements. Only operators with revenue over 400 million rubles could meet the new standards, while 21 % of firms earn less than 100 million and 36 % less than 200 million. Regional operators, which supply 45 % of Russia’s broadband market, would be hit hardest. The reform would also affect local providers in occupied Ukrainian territories and small towns, leaving 27 regions without local internet services. Experts warn that reconnecting subscribers would cost the state budget hundreds of billions of rubles. The ministry says the measures aim to improve service quality, but no final decision has been made and the proposal remains in discussion with industry stakeholders.