The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) proposed to exempt telecom operators from paying 1.2% of their revenue from communication services, which are transferred for the development of communications in small towns. The Ministry of Digital Development confirmed that this proposal was being worked out.

According to the data provided by the spokesperson of the Ministry, in 2020-2021 the universal service fund received $202.8 million (15 billion rubles) annually. The main payers were MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2. General Director of TMT Consulting Konstantin Ankilov notes that these payments are made on a quarterly basis, and they are used to provide telephone and mobile communication services and internet access.

Beeline supported the initiative. MegaFon’s specialists said that “if the measure is introduced, operators will be able to increase investment in the development of networks to ensure their uninterrupted operation”. The experts of Tele2 believe that “a balanced decision is needed, since the digital divide in the development of technology should not increase”. Rostelecom noted that “the task of eliminating the digital divide continues to be relevant under the new conditions”.

Original (in Russian)