Authorities are outlining contingency steps in case residents in Russia are unable to download virtual SIM cards (eSIM) to their smartphones. The plan involves collaboration among key state bodies, including the Ministry of Digital Development, Telecommunications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation (Mintsifry), the Radio Research Institute (NIIR), and the Federal Security Service (FSB). The motivation behind these measures is repeatedly highlighted by national media, including the newspaper News, which cites official briefings and internal discussions.
Officials from the ministry told News that a pilot zone is to be established using a domestic software and hardware complex within NIIR’s facilities. This pilot would test the operational viability of virtual SIM cards within a controlled environment. The exact timelines and scope for broader rollout remain to be defined, but the aim is to verify how a homegrown stack can manage eSIM functionality from start to scale.
NIIR subsequently announced the creation of a test region designed to evaluate the optimal architecture and the best mix of components for a local eSIM ecosystem. The plan emphasizes compatibility with Russian security requirements, allowing for the placement of either domestic eSIM chips or foreign chips on the platform under strict compliance rules. The underlying objective is to ensure a secure, self-contained solution that can withstand external pressures while maintaining interoperability with global standards where appropriate. This approach is presented as a safeguard against sudden policy shifts by external vendors.
Inside industry circles, a source described to News how the Russian system would enable end users to install operator profiles directly onto their devices, effectively linking the new virtual SIM card to cellular networks. At present, foreign software dominates this domain, and there is concern that sanctions or unilateral actions by foreign providers could disrupt certificate issuance or profile downloads. In such a scenario, access to eSIM profiles could be blocked, leaving devices with limited or no virtual SIM capability. The projected domestic framework is framed as a resilient alternative designed to preserve connectivity in the face of geopolitical pressure.
Representatives from telecom operators weigh in on how this transition could unfold in practice. For example, a Tele2 spokesperson noted that eSIMs that are already activated would continue to function as ordinary SIMs, preserving service continuity. However, eSIMs that remain unconnected or unprovisioned could be disabled if necessary to protect network integrity. This stance underscores a cautious, phased approach: protect current users while building out a self-sufficient system that can accommodate future needs, including security updates and device compatibility. Observers point to Android 14 as a potential technical milestone, suggesting that future software updates might facilitate more flexible handling of physical SIM cards when transitioning to eSIM formats. News reports connect these dots, indicating that the ecosystem is moving toward greater integration of native eSIM capabilities within domestic networks and devices, while preserving the option to work with established hardware under controlled conditions. (Source: News).