The Russian Ministry of Digital Development plans to mandate that internet service providers deliver speeds of at least 1 Gbps per apartment in multi-story buildings. Operators will have a ten-year window to comply with this requirement.
The ministry is preparing a bill to reform the telecommunications sector, which includes replacing nearly 20 existing license types with four new levels: municipal, basic, universal, and general. Under the proposed changes, individual entrepreneurs will be prohibited from providing communication services.
New regulatory measures include a non-judicial procedure for revoking licenses for repeated violations, accompanied by a ten-year ban on obtaining new licenses. Additionally, operators must ensure service continuity, and at least 50% of their revenue must come from communication services.
Small regional providers may receive a one-year grace period for license re-registration without fees. Industry experts note that while the ten-year timeline aligns with investment cycles, current financial conditions may be challenging for many existing operators, potentially impacting service pricing in smaller towns.
