Kommersant learned about a possible increase in tariffs for mobile communications by 5%

Mobile operators consider it necessary to raise prices for mobile communications annually by 5% above inflation. About it informed Kommersant, citing sources.

The FAS recommendation is now in effect, according to which telecom operators can raise communication prices within the inflation rate. On June 20, market participants discussed the increase in price growth for tariffs as part of a conversation about the development of the communications industry until 2035.

The idea to raise prices stems from the need to modernize networks to ensure their stable operation, sources close to the government say.

In turn, the Ministry of Digital Development believes that the indexation of tariffs is possible only under the condition of a gradual increase in prices and the preservation of a differentiated approach, thanks to which all groups of the population will have access to communication services. In addition, in the event of an increase in tariff prices by 5% above inflation, it is possible to conclude investment agreements that will guarantee the investment of additional funds in infrastructure renewal.

In mid-April, mobile operators already applied to the head of the Ministry of Finance, Maksut Shadayev, regarding the increase in the cost of communication services for subscribers and the slowdown in the construction of networks against the backdrop of a sharp rise in the cost of connecting communication equipment to the power grid.

As Vedomosti wrote earlier, the average cost of communication tariffs for the largest mobile operators will increase in 2023 by 10–15%. These figures from the forecast of the Telecom Daily agency were then confirmed by the experts of the Finam investment holding and the analytical agency TMT Consulting. The increase in prices will be associated primarily with the need to purchase sanctioned equipment, which has risen in price due to the suspension of supplies from major international vendors.