Russia will be “transported” to domestic satellitesScience and technology03:51 | 22 July 2023

The Ministry of Digital Development, Telecommunications and Mass Communications (Mintsifry) recommends that Russian operators switch to using domestic satellites to provide high-quality Internet by 2030. However, such a transition may result in a 2.5-fold increase in tariffs for satellite communication services. Representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development argue that such a solution is necessary to ensure the stable operation of the Internet and television through domestic devices.

The ministry is also proposing to the government to ban operators from purchasing services from foreign companies and to raise tariffs for Russian fixed satellite operators. This will allow national operators such as the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Kosmicheskaya Svyaz and Gazprom Space Systems to increase their investments in the development of satellite constellations.

However, such changes may affect the availability of the Internet and communications for residents. For example, the satellite constellation of FSUE Kosmicheskaya Svyaz may face disruption by 2030, which may cause communication system failures in some regions of Russia. Major Russian satellite owners, such as the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Kosmicheskaya Svyaz and Gazprom Space Systems, are already working on updating their satellite constellation.

The communications industry development strategy for 2024-2035 states the need to provide fast Internet for all households and socially significant facilities by 2030. However, the sanctions had a significant impact on Russian satellite production enterprises, as there was no possibility of supplying foreign equipment and components. Despite the difficulties, the industry is trying to develop and create new satellite devices to provide Internet access in different regions of Russia and beyond.