The Ministry of Digital Development is collaborating with major telecom operators to establish new regulations for virtual mobile network operators (MVNOs), specifically targeting banking-affiliated projects. Minister Maksut Shadaev stated that the ministry is reviewing wholesale pricing models used by physical network owners to provide infrastructure to virtual providers.
Regulators argue that banks often subsidize mobile services, offering them at or below cost to attract customers. This practice is viewed as dumping, which diverts subscribers from traditional carriers and reduces the revenue needed for network modernization. In 2025, capital expenditures for major telecom operators exceeded 400 ₽ billion.
Data from ComNews Research indicates that the Russian MVNO market reached 111 ₽ billion in 2025, with a subscriber base exceeding 40 million SIM cards. Banking-led projects, including SberMobile, T-Mobile, VTB Mobile, Alfa-Mobile, and GPB Mobile, account for 93% of users and 76% of the segment's total revenue.
Major carriers like Beeline, T2, MegaFon, and MTS support stricter regulations, citing the need to protect the industry from unsustainable price wars. Conversely, MVNO representatives argue that they purchase traffic at market rates and ensure consistent utilization of network capacity. Analysts warn that new restrictions could raise market entry barriers and lead to the closure of unprofitable telecom units.
