Substitute, don’t import: Russian mobile network solutions discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA

The withdrawal of leading global manufacturers from cooperation with Russian companies has opened new opportunities for domestic developers of industry-specific solutions. The progress of import substitution was discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA by the heads of leading telecom operators and equipment manufacturers. The session "Domestic Solutions for Mobile Networks" focused on accumulated experience, current challenges and new strategies for using both Russian and foreign initiatives.

"Today, all representatives of the operator community understand that import substitution has become part of modern business processes. We are moving confidently in the right direction. We already have offers in almost every category, there is competition, and the logic of cooperation has been established, which is very encouraging. Perhaps the only thing still missing is certain limits on parallel imports – for example, restrictions on the use of IP surveillance cameras in public spaces," said Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation Maksut Shadayev.

Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation Dmitry Ugnivenko urged the operator community to take a more proactive stance, in particular by testing new technological solutions beyond their own companies.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"Only open dialogue between operators and manufacturers can lead us to a high-quality product. And the product our manufacturing colleagues create will, in turn, directly depend on the quality of the communication services that our operators can and will provide using it," explained Dmitry Ugnivenko.

Chairman of the Competence Centre "Fixed Communications" and President of ER-Telecom Holding JSC Andrei Kuzyaev stressed the importance of developing a competitive market for equipment developers. According to him, competition will determine the strongest, but it is equally important to avoid a situation where only one manufacturer dominates the telecommunications segment.

Deputy President, Chairman of the Management Board of Rostelecom PJSC and Director General of T2 Mobile LLC Anton Godovikov spoke about the company’s import substitution initiatives. He emphasised the importance of cooperation between business and the state in addressing the challenges associated with the continued widespread use of foreign equipment.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"From time to time, we face issues such as expiring licences for imported equipment, and it feels like living on a powder keg. Eliminating this risk before it leads to a major explosion is the task of both the state and business. Another crucial aspect that import substitution is meant to address is national security: by using foreign equipment, we risk being exposed to many threats without knowing what or when may be uploaded with the next update," warned Anton Godovikov.

CEO of MTS Inessa Galaktionova highlighted a major breakthrough in the company’s import substitution efforts: "We have entered the second stage of a large-scale modernisation project, which we plan to complete by the end of 2028. Around 22 billion rubles have been allocated for this project, which will completely upgrade our network. We expect network performance to increase tenfold, which will, of course, boost our subscriber base and the introduction of new services."

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The IT Forum "Digital Solutions 2025" is being held at the National Centre RUSSIA from 12 to 15 November. Organised by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation, the large-scale event brings together leading representatives of Russia’s IT business and public authorities to discuss the country’s digital transformation across three thematic areas – business, society, and federal and regional authorities. A key highlight of the programme will be the presentation of the national award "Digital Solutions", recognising the most successful digitalisation projects. Guests can also explore an interactive exposition showcasing the achievements of the Russian digital industry.