Telecom Companies Close in Russia, Leaving 10,700 Operators

In Russia, a mass closure of telecommunications operators has begun due to increased state control. As of August 2026, there are 10,700 organizations left in the country, which is a 6% decrease compared to the previous year, with around 700 companies leaving the market. Since 2019, the number of operators has decreased by approximately one-third. Currently, 461 companies are in the process of liquidation, reorganization, or bankruptcy, while only 327 new entities were registered from January to July. The reduction is linked to new financial and technical requirements: licenses have increased in price from 7,500 rubles to 1 million rubles, a ban on obtaining licenses for individual entrepreneurs is planned, and mandatory surveillance by the FSB with access to traffic and calls is required. Licenses can be revoked without court for repeated violations. The Ministry of Digital Development has referred to the reduction as a "health improvement," however, analysts warn of market monopolization and rising tariffs. A new wave of closures is expected in the first half of 2027.

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