Telecom operators have increased call minutes due to increased demand for voice calls.

Since August, mobile voice traffic has grown significantly—by more than a quarter across Russia on average, and by over 50% in Moscow, where subscribers previously made more calls using international messaging apps. As a result, operators have begun changing their tariffs, but so far only by adding call minutes rather than raising prices.

In August of this year, Roskomnadzor blocked voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp* (owned by Meta, which is designated as extremist and banned in Russia). According to the official position, these messaging apps are actively used by criminals to defraud the public and extort money.

According to telecom market analysts, mobile voice traffic has increased significantly primarily in those Russian regions where people (especially young people) have become accustomed to high-quality internet and make many calls using WhatsApp* or Telegram, which have become their preferred means of communication. The largest increases were recorded in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk. Minimal changes were observed in regions where authorities are massively blocking mobile internet access due to drone attacks.

In this situation, some telecom operators are updating their plan lines in response to subscriber demand for voice services. Specifically, one increased the minute package for its "youth" plan from 50 to 200, while another made further changes to a plan that initially offered unlimited internet, text, and calls within its network. It's difficult to say how this will ultimately impact operators' revenue, but experts say it won't pose any technical challenges: the infrastructure has been built with ample bandwidth.

"We're currently witnessing a real transformation in the communication habits of millions of Russians," says independent PR consultant Denis Goldman. "In the past three months, people have returned en masse to traditional calls, and telecom operators have proven themselves ready for this challenge. Their capacity can handle the increased workload. Regarding updating tariffs and expanding unlimited options, this is a logical and balanced step. This isn't about raising prices, but rather adapting offerings to the new reality, a reasonable compromise between the interests of businesses and subscribers. Essentially, operators are offering customers the service structure they truly need now. This is the right market response: demand has changed, and supply is adapting to it."

Another aspect of the process that can't be ignored is the growing audience of the national messenger Max, which surpassed 50 million users by the end of October. This means that the country is developing its own digital ecosystem. While WhatsApp* and Telegram still lead in reach—97 million and 91 million, respectively—Max is gaining momentum. At the same time, Roskomnadzor reports a 40% reduction in fraudulent calls during the first month of restrictions. As a result, according to Goldman, several positive effects are evident: consumers are receiving high-quality communications, operators are adapting their services, the domestic platform is developing, and criminal activity is declining.

"In the long term, this situation could prove beneficial for the entire industry," Denis Goldman concludes. "Operators are encouraged to develop voice services and improve their quality. Users will have a wider choice of plans with an emphasis on calls. The domestic digital communications market as a whole is becoming more stable and independent. Of course, the adaptation process is not yet complete, but it's already clear that the industry is handling the transformation confidently and professionally."

* - belongs to Meta, which is recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation.

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