The Ministry of Digital Development presented a draft strategy for the development of the communications industry until 2035

In some cases telecom operators will be able to raise tariffs above inflation and use foreign equipment. This follows from the presented by the Ministry of Digital project strategy for the development of the communications industry in Russia until 2035. This strategy defines the main directions of state policy in the field of development of the communications industry, and is also aimed at “forming a promising and competitive image of the communications industry.”

The agency’s proposals include:

• if the operator invests a significant part of the additional profit in significant projects for the development of communication networks and the development of new technologies, then it can raise tariffs by a level exceeding the consumer price index;
• introduce the category of “trusted TCO” – it must comply with the requirements for information security, work in strict accordance with the declared functionality and exclude the implementation of undeclared capabilities;
• the admissibility of using foreign-made MSW in the Unified Telecommunication Network of the Russian Federation, classified as trusted MSW;
• the transition to the use of MSW only of domestic production is possible if the market “represents domestic competitive products that can replace MSW of foreign production without deteriorating the quality of communication services provided”;
• abandon the principle of network neutrality in force in Russia and introduce fees for the use of communications infrastructure for the largest Internet companies;
• introduce preferential tariffs for operators for the placement of communication facilities at state and municipal facilities;
• introduce annual indexation of tariffs for communication services by operators in order to increase their investment opportunities;
• introduce a mechanism for sharing radio frequencies between telecom operators and special consumers (law enforcement agencies), while the security forces will be able to temporarily limit the use of frequencies by telecom operators.

Kommersant learned about the mechanism proposed by the government for sharing radio frequencies between law enforcement agencies and civilian telecom operators. It is assumed that in the event of a state of emergency, communications completely pass under the control of law enforcement agencies, which will be able to turn off civilian networks. Experts assure that the initiative can improve the quality of mobile communications.

Details – in the material “Kommersant” “A switch will be connected to the frequencies”.

Laura Keffer