More than 50% of Russian fiber-optic communication lines may require replacement in the coming years as they exceed their 25-year service life. The Ministry of Digital Development estimates the potential cost of this infrastructure update at 400 ₽ billion.
The degradation of glass fibers within the cables can lead to reduced bandwidth and signal transmission issues. According to J'son & Partners, approximately 400,000 kilometers of optical cable laid over 20 years ago will need to be replaced between 2020 and 2030.
Industry experts note that age does not guarantee failure, as operators often use redundant fibers and upgrade transmission equipment to maintain performance. Physical damage to cable sheathing is cited as a more frequent cause of signal degradation than natural aging.
The cost of replacing one kilometer of trunk fiber-optic line is estimated at approximately 1 ₽ million, with prices increasing significantly for complex sections like river crossings. The final scope of the replacement program will be determined through discussions with market participants.
Telecom operators are currently managing their own infrastructure updates. For instance, MTS launched a modernization project in 2025 with an investment exceeding 22 ₽ billion, aiming to upgrade transport infrastructure in 29 regions by the end of 2028.
