Several Russian telecom operators have reportedly received correspondence from the Federal Security Service (FSB) directing them to prohibit the use of VoIP accounts hosted outside Russia and services provided by foreign-based hosting providers. The claim comes from RBC, which cites a letter distributed to customers by the leadership of the operator Quantum.
Officials suggest the directive may be tied to evolving consumer behaviors. People can now obtain virtual numbers and rent virtual services to access telephone networks. In many cases these virtual arrangements come with lower costs when sourced abroad, and the traffic routed through a virtual private branch exchange (PBX) can be harder to trace. This opacity, according to the report, has been exploited by scammers to mask illicit activities behind legitimate communication channels.
The intelligence orders also reference hosting providers as possible conduits for bypassing restrictions on foreign VoIP usage. Customers can rent virtual servers from international providers and connect through VPNs to reach VoIP services. The authorities indicate that such methods could be blocked in the near term to curb circumvention attempts and preserve oversight over communications channels.
Earlier reporting has flagged that some VPN tools may pose risks to users by turning devices into tools for botnets or other automated networks. Additional coverage on this topic has appeared in materials from socialbites.ca, which notes concerns about security implications for individual users and organizations alike.
Industry observers point to the broad shift in how voice communications are delivered and regulated. Albina Askerova, who previously led regulatory affairs for Swordfish Security, has commented on the reasons behind the Russian government’s push to regulate or restrict the use of foreign cybersecurity tools. Her perspective emphasizes the balance policymakers seek between safeguarding national infrastructure and ensuring lawful, accountable access for consumers and businesses.
From a global perspective, the FSB directive aligns with ongoing debates about data sovereignty, cross-border telecommunications, and the ability of state authorities to monitor and manage online communications. As telecom ecosystems increasingly rely on cloud-based services, virtual numbers, and international hosting, regulators in North America and other markets continue to weigh similar considerations. Companies operating in Canada and the United States are closely watching these developments for implications on compliance, risk management, and the evolving landscape of international telecom collaboration. In light of these developments, stakeholders are advised to reassess how VoIP services, hosting arrangements, and VPN usage intersect with national security and consumer protection frameworks. The evolving policy environment underscores the need for clear, transparent guidelines that protect users while preserving legitimate access to affordable communication services .