Russia Plans Charge for International 5G Internet Traffic
The Russian government is discussing fees for international traffic on the 5G network. The goal is to combat VPN services not under Kremlin control, a source on the telecommunications market told BBC.
Consensus
- Russian authorities are discussing introducing a fee for international data traffic in 5G networks.
- The proposed fee would apply to users exceeding 50 GB of international traffic in 5G networks.
- The initiative is intended to restrict access to uncontrolled VPN services.
- The discussion resumed shortly after the September 2026 parliamentary elections.
- The exact date of implementation and the fee amount are not yet confirmed.
- The idea was previously considered in early 2026 with a proposed limit of 15 GB and a rate of 150 rubles per GB.
- The 5G network was launched in 16 cities in early September 2026.
- Access to 5G in Russia is currently limited to Android devices, as Apple has not granted permission for 5G use.
Points of divergence
- The government has already decided to implement the fee starting October 1, with the rate to be determined later. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- The 5G network is only available to Android users, and Apple's decision is required for iPhone users to access it. — meduza
- The initiative follows a secret directive from Vladimir Putin and is part of a broader effort to strengthen control over VPN traffic. — tg_istories_media
- The 5G network in Russia is currently only nominal, with limited real functionality. — tg_tvrain
Coverage (6 sources)
- After Duma elections, authorities tasked with introducing fees for Russians to access the global internet — The Moscow Times
- «Би-би-си»: в правительстве вернулись к идее оплаты за международный трафик. Теперь — в сети 5G (в РФ она доступна только владельцам Android) — Meduza
- In Russia, international traffic in 5G networks is set to become paid starting October 1, reports media. — Первый Московский
- Operators may start charging extra for international traffic in 5G as part of the fight against VPN. Earlier authorities postponed this... — Важные истории
- Government discusses additional fee for international traffic in 5G networks. It may be introduced from October 1 — Дождь (Telegram)
- In the Russian government, they are discussing fees for international traffic in the 5G network — BBC News Русская служба