In Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, paid access to the international segment of the internet may be introduced as early as this autumn. The reason is a shortage of international communication channels and the growing use of VPN services.
- Russia is planning to introduce a paywall for access to foreign websites.
- The tariffs may also affect Ukraine’s occupied territories.
- The reason is that international channels are overloaded via VPN.
- Telecom operators are considering tightening restrictions on VPN services.
- Users may be offered a basic tariff for Russian websites.
Paid internet access: the new reality in Russia
There is active discussion in Russia about the possibility of introducing a charge for access to the international segment of the internet. This change could become a reality as early as this autumn, as telecoms operators are facing problems with congestion on international channels.
The reasons for this move are obvious. Following the introduction of a moratorium on the expansion of international communication channels and the rapid rise in the use of VPN services, the situation on the market has become critical. It is well known that VPN enables users to bypass blocks on foreign websites, which, in turn, places an additional strain on the network.
«According to industry representatives, at the current rate of traffic growth, existing capacity may soon prove insufficient,» the experts note.
Operators are considering two main scenarios: tightening restrictions on VPN services or introducing a separate charge for access to the international internet. If the second option is implemented, users may be offered a basic tariff that includes access only to Russian websites, and a more expensive package for international websites and services.
Why it matters
The introduction of paid access to the international internet will be another step towards the isolation of the Russian internet. Users may be subject to restricted access to the internet, whilst the use of global online services will become a paid option or be subject to even greater restrictions due to new control mechanisms. This is causing concern amongst users who wish to retain access to information and resources outside Russia.
