Russian internet operators are boosting the capacity needed to accelerate how content is loaded from Google. The publication cites several market participants who discuss the ongoing efforts to strengthen direct connections with Google’s networks as demand grows and streaming and search traffic rise across major cities.
One source, Ivan Shevelev, who leads Rostelecom’s Internet infrastructure development and monetization division, noted that operators are actively expanding Rostelecom’s existing links to Google networks in response to rising needs. This expansion underscores a broader strategy to ensure faster access to Google services for end users and to reduce latency for data traffic across the operator’s network.
According to a representative from Transtelecom, Google maintains direct connections in Moscow and St. Petersburg and has extended them in recent years. The trend is described as a deliberate, ongoing effort, with active expansion continuing into 2023. This reflects the importance placed on reliable, high-capacity paths for Google traffic to support services used by millions of Russian subscribers.
Konstantin Kolesov, who oversees data transmission strategic development at a major mobile operator, comments that Google Global Cache servers may eventually be phased out as conditions require. He argues that wear and tear, or limited capacity, could prompt a shift in traffic patterns, with the quality of YouTube in some regions fluctuating first and traffic gradually moving toward Moscow and St. Petersburg. Over time, he predicts the backbone networks will bear a growing portion of the load, driven by shifts in cache strategy and routing choices.
Shevelev further explained that upgrade opportunities have been constrained whenever Google halted hardware supply to the Russian Federation for updating Global Cache servers. In such cases, operators have turned to alternative upgrade paths that involve enhancing the capacity of existing Moscow links and deploying new equipment where feasible, a method described as a temporary but effective measure to maintain service quality during transitions.
The broader context suggests a strategic focus on ensuring that Russian users retain fast access to Google services amid evolving network topologies and geopolitical considerations. As traffic patterns adjust, operators emphasize the need for resilient infrastructure that can adapt to shifting demand and capacity constraints without compromising user experience across major urban centers.
In related developments, observers note a continuing push by domestic platforms and app ecosystems to expand beyond their traditional markets. The ongoing collaboration between telecom operators and global content providers highlights the importance of robust, scalable networks to support a growing array of online services and digital applications used by people across Russia and neighboring regions. This trend mirrors similar global efforts to optimize content delivery networks and caching strategies to meet rising expectations for speed and reliability. These insights are reported by industry participants and analysts familiar with the region’s telecom landscape. (RBC)