Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Rostelecom offers regional internet providers deals to take over their networks
Rostelecom and TransTeleCom have begun offering deals to small internet providers in Russia’s regions.
Under Rostelecom’s proposal, providers would hand over their subscribers, communications lines and technical support, while keeping 30–40% of revenue.
Rostelecom would cover costs including surveillance requirements, which can reach 15 million rubles a year, as well as some other expenses.
TransTeleCom proposes virtual network arrangements that would remove providers’ licensing and regulatory duties while letting them keep the final connection to customers.
Small providers say the terms could leave them as installers, rather than independent businesses.
The offers come amid discussions of stricter licensing rules, which the Association of Telecommunications Operators warned could leave 27 regions without local providers.
The companies describe the cooperation as voluntary, and the proposals are commercial agreements.
Rostelecom and TransTeleCom have offered small regional internet providers agreements that would transfer subscribers and parts of their operations to the larger companies.
Under Rostelecom’s proposal, regional providers would keep 30–40% of revenue and avoid specified costs, including surveillance-related expenses.
Small providers say the terms could leave them effectively acting as installers while Rostelecom takes most of the business without investing.
TransTeleCom’s proposal offers virtual network operator models under which providers would retain the “last mile” but give up licensing and regulatory obligations.
The offers come amid discussion of stricter licensing requirements for telecommunications operators.
- Who
- Rostelecom and TransTeleCom made proposals to small regional internet providers.
- What
- The proposals would transfer subscribers and some network functions to the larger operators in exchange for a share of revenue and relief from costs or obligations.
- When
- The offers had begun by October 13, 2026. The article was published that day.
- Where
- Russia.
- Why
- Rostelecom’s proposal offers relief from costs such as SORM expenses, payroll and universal service fund contributions. The sources do not state the companies’ full reasons for making the offers.
Rostelecom and TransTeleCom
Small regional internet providers
Revenue and business terms
Rostelecom and TransTeleCom
Rostelecom says providers would keep 30–40% of revenue and avoid specified costs.
Small regional internet providers
Providers say the terms could mean they become installers while Rostelecom takes 60% of the business without investing.
Nature of cooperation
Rostelecom and TransTeleCom
A source described the proposals as strictly commercial and voluntary.
Small regional internet providers
Providers object to the terms, which they say would leave them with a diminished role.
Reports emerged that the Ministry of Digital Development was discussing stricter requirements for telecommunications operators with industry representatives.
Meduza reported that Rostelecom and TransTeleCom had begun offering service agreements to small regional providers.
- Rostelecom revenue share
- 30–40%
- SORM costs
- Up to 15 million rubles a year
- Payroll costs
- Up to 16 million rubles a year
- Universal service fund contributions
- At least 1 million rubles a year
- Proposed license costs
- 1 million to 50 million rubles
- Regions at risk under proposed requirements
- 27 regions
What people are saying
strictly commercial and voluntary
effectively become installers
at least buy companies
takes 60% of the business
Sources
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