In December, the Government of the Russian Federation approved a strategy for the development of the communications industry until 2035. The document outlines two scenarios — basic and target. The basic one provides for "a transition to higher growth rates of tariffs for communication services than those that have taken place in recent years, but not higher than the projected dynamics of the consumer price index."
This is stated in issue No. 1557 of the monthly bulletin "Branches of the Russian economy: production, finance, securities. Communication and information technology" dated January 24, 2024.The target scenario expects to achieve the goals of the strategy in full, the development of new generation communication networks, the introduction of new technologies, the implementation of major investment projects, including "in new segments and in new territories." Investments in fixed assets of the communications industry by 2035, according to the baseline scenario, should amount to 778 billion rubles per year, according to the target — 1.26 trillion rubles.
The Russian communications services market grew by 5.1% in 2023, its volume exceeded 1.9 trillion rubles (according to preliminary estimates by TMT Consulting). This is the highest market dynamics in the last more than 10 years. As in previous years, the mobile communications market was the driver of growth — it accounted for 61% of the industry's revenues at the end of the year. At the same time, the indicators of other large market segments have improved: broadband Internet access, fixed telephony, inter-operator services. The recognition by regulatory authorities of the validity of periodic tariff increases as the main way to increase industry revenues will ensure sustainable growth for the Russian market in the coming years, experts say.
The volume of communication services provided to enterprises of all types of activities increased by 11.2% in November compared to November 2022, and decreased by 0.8% compared to October 2023, amounting to 224.8 billion rubles. In just 11 months, the volume of communication services amounted to 2.34 trillion rubles, which is 9% higher than the result of the same period in 2022. At the same time, tariffs for telecommunications services for individuals increased by 7.4% in November compared to November 2022, and by 0.1% against the previous month. In January-November, the increase in tariffs for individuals amounted to 8.1%.
Revenues from mobile communications in 2023 increased by 7.1% — this is the highest dynamics in more than 10 years. The increase is primarily due to the increase in the cost of their services by operators. The growth was also facilitated by an increase in service consumption — for example, the volume of mobile traffic increased by 16%, and the recovery of the international roaming market continued. In addition, the segment of corporate users has traditionally demonstrated high dynamics. According to analysts, the growth in the cost of mobile communication services in 2023 averaged about 10-12%.
For a more detailed analysis, see issue No. 1557 of the monthly bulletin "Branches of the Russian Economy: Production, Finance, Securities. Communication and information technology" dated January 24, 2024. The bulletin contains an overview of the Russian telecommunications and communications market, including mobile and broadband Internet, as well as digital TV and online cinemas. An overview of the Russian legislative framework and its changes affecting the industry, an analysis of the results of activities in the industry, innovative strategies and areas of work of operators and providers of the "big four", including the development of 5G and MVNO, as well as their tariff policy. The newsletter is accompanied by a brief overview of the stock market and the results of M&A activity. The news of the largest companies in the industry is included.
