Foreign hosting providers have not submitted any application to join the Roskomnadzor registry or to obtain legalization within the Russian Federation, according to a report carried by RBC via its Telegram channel. The outlet cited a spokesperson from Roskomnadzor, who confirmed that the agency does not receive requests from foreign organizations to register as hosting providers in the national registry. The consequence being that unregistered firms will be barred from delivering hosting services in Russia as of February 1. This stance highlights the growing friction between global tech players and Russian regulatory requirements, a tension that has intensified in recent years.
Industry experts noted that many foreign players chose not to participate in the registry because of the risk of sanctions and the need to adhere to stringent applicant criteria. The combination of potential punitive measures and burdensome compliance standards appears to deter international companies from attempting formal registration, potentially limiting the landscape of hosting services available to Russian consumers and enterprises.
On the domestic front, there have been changes in the price dynamics of home internet. By the end of 2023, Russia saw price increases ranging from 5% to 15%. Providers such as ER-Telecom Holding and Rostelecom have already implemented increases or are expected to do so at the start of 2024. Overall, the cost of cable Internet rose modestly, with annual increases capped at about 5% over a five-year period. These shifts reflect the broader inflationary pressures and the evolving market structure within the Russian broadband sector, affecting household budgets and business costs alike.
There were also public discussions about financial transactions during device restarts, with Russians reportedly noting practical steps related to money handling when rebooting an iPhone. These anecdotes illustrate how consumers adapt to regulatory and market conditions, seeking practical workarounds for everyday technology use while navigating service availability and cost concerns. This topic has been reported in various consumer forums and media outlets, emphasizing how policy and market changes ripple into daily digital routines.
In sum, the absence of foreign hosting providers in the Roskomnadzor registry underscores a pivotal regulatory moment. While some firms may reassess their participation strategy in light of sanctions risks and compliance demands, Russian households continue to experience shifts in internet pricing and service availability. The situation remains dynamic, with policy developments and market responses likely to shape the digital landscape in both the short and longer terms. Attribution: RBC coverage of Roskomnadzor’s registry stance and expert commentary provides the basis for these observations. (RBC)