Telecom pricing trends in Russia: an in-depth view of 2022 and beyond
TelecomDaily’s analysis pointed to a pattern in which mobile operators in Russia could see price hikes in the range of 15 to 18 percent by year-end. The discussion in a major business daily framed these increases as a consequence of persistent inflation pressures that ripple through the sector.
Looking at the first half of the year, it was noted that communication service prices had risen by about 10 percent, with an expected additional 5 to 8 percent by year’s end. The forecast suggested that both mobile and fixed-line services would share in this upward adjustment, reflecting the broader cost environment that operators face.
Industry voices indicated that the price increases already in place varied from roughly 2 to 15 percent. Operators contended that price growth was aligned with inflation, while sanctions-related costs contributed to the need for tariff adjustments as operators sought to cover higher operating expenses.
According to a Raiffeisenbank analyst, the central objective for operators is to expand the revenue base on which average spending depends. The analyst explained that this is achieved by lifting tariffs and adjusting prices across a range of services. The assessment cautioned that even with ongoing tariff increases, the rise in the average customer spend may still lag behind inflation in the broader economy.
Additionally, recent public data suggested a mixed picture for network performance in major cities versus regional markets. While mobile internet speeds in Moscow showed improvement, some regions continued to trail behind. Analysts observed that supply constraints and equipment shortages could prompt operators to channel more investment into capital markets, where the return on investment tends to be faster due to higher tariff structures.
In this evolving landscape, observers emphasize that operators are balancing price movements with customer demand and service quality. The overarching theme is that inflation, sanctions, and supply chain disruptions shape strategic decisions on pricing and network upgrades, with the goal of sustaining service levels while managing cost pressures.