"Russian Mobile Networks Delay Introduction of VPN Traffic Fees"

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Russian authorities have temporarily abandoned the idea of introducing an additional fee for VPN traffic in mobile networks, according to sources in the telecommunications industry cited by Kommersant. Mobile operators will not introduce separate tariffs for international internet traffic before the autumn elections to the State Duma (Russian parliament).

According to industry sources, there are currently no approved documents setting the timetable for launching the new payment scheme or imposing obligations on telecom operators. Sources noted that discussions on the initiative are ongoing, but no final decisions have been made.

One of the main challenges is the technical implementation of the mechanism. Market participants point out that a significant portion of Russian internet services and websites use foreign IP addresses and overseas infrastructure, making it extremely difficult to separate VPN traffic from regular international data exchange. According to one source, implementing such a model could face serious technical limitations and may be practically unfeasible.

Earlier reports indicated that the Ministry of Digital Development (Mintsifry) was discussing the parameters of additional tariffs for international traffic in mobile networks. Sources link the initiative to efforts aimed at reducing VPN usage among Russian users. As part of this strategy, Mintsifry, as previously reported by Kommersant, is also developing measures to encourage IT companies and digital platforms to restrict access to their services for users with active VPN connections.