The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation is developing a set of measures aimed at turning the Russian segment of the internet into a fully state-controlled infrastructure. Instead of obvious blocking, the approach relies on slow economic and licensing pressure that ordinary users will feel gradually — through higher bills, worse connectivity, and a lack of alternatives.
The central initiative is the introduction of a fee for the use of international internet traffic for mobile subscribers. The proposed rate is around $2 per gigabyte. Officially, this is presented as a change in the tariff model, but the real goal is to make permanent VPN use financially unsustainable. An average active user consumes 25–30 GB per month, and if a VPN is constantly on, all of that traffic could be classified as international — even if the person is simply reading Russian news or watching series. Telecom operators themselves have proven technically unprepared for such a transition and have requested a postponement of at least until September 1.
At the same time, the ministry is pushing a radical licensing reform. The current 17 types of licenses are planned to be reduced to three, while sharply increasing financial entry barriers to the market. A basic license would require at least $66,000 in capital, a universal license around $400,000, and a general license over $1.3 million. The current minimum authorized capital for a telecom operator in Russia is about $134.
The consequences for the market would be severe. Out of more than 4,200 active broadband providers, only a small fraction would be able to meet the new requirements. Over 90% of small providers — internet companies, cable TV operators, and regional providers — would face liquidation or forced acquisition. The market would consolidate around several large federal structures, effectively meaning its transition under direct state control.
Separately, a ban is being discussed on providing telecom services by individual entrepreneurs and companies that have not installed SORM — a system for operational-search measures that gives the FSB direct access to traffic and subscriber data. Previously, operators were given up to two years to implement SORM; new rules could significantly shorten this period. The ministry is also pushing for the resumption of scheduled inspections of operators, despite a moratorium currently in place until 2030.
