Every third provider in Russia may leave the market.

      The publication "Kommersant," citing a presentation by the association "Rostelecom," reports that a reform of licensing for telecommunications operators is being prepared in Russia. The Ministry of Digital Development proposes to replace about 20 types of licenses with three levels ("Basic," "Universal," "General") with increased requirements for charter capital and own funds.

      The "Basic" license (for cable TV) requires a charter capital or own funds of at least 5 million rubles. The "Universal" license (for home internet) requires 30 million rubles, plus coverage of at least 15% of apartment buildings in settlements with populations from 10,000 to 500,000, and each municipality must have its own communication node. The "General" license (for the entire country) requires 100 million rubles and nodes in two-thirds of the regions.

      Individual entrepreneurs will be prohibited from providing telecommunications services. The share of revenue from telecommunications must be no less than half. They will have to connect to the SORM system and pay at least 1 million rubles annually into the universal service reserve.

      Small providers will not be able to meet the new conditions: of the 4,220 broadband internet (BBI) operators, only 7.6% will meet the requirements.

      At least 33.2% of operators may leave the market, and in the cable TV segment, up to 80%. Industry participants warn of the risk of rising prices for home internet and problems with access in remote settlements where large federal players are absent.

      According to the project, the new rules are set to come into effect on September 1, 2026, and from 2028, services can only be provided under the new licenses. The Ministry of Digital Development believes that the changes are aimed at increasing market reliability and disagrees with forecasts of rising tariffs.

      Earlier, we reported that experts predict an increase in the cost of home internet for Russians. The reasons cited include inflation and rising costs for operators on equipment, licenses, and communication channels, as well as possible changes in industry regulation. The current licensing reform, according to independent analysts and representatives of small operators' associations, may become an additional factor putting pressure on tariffs. The exit of small players from the market and a reduction in competition, especially in small settlements where large federal operators are not always present, is highly likely to lead to an increase in service costs.