The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, together with mobile network operators, is considering the introduction of an additional payment system for foreign internet traffic. According to the new initiative, a monthly limit of 50 GB for foreign traffic could be set for 5G network users. This measure is primarily being discussed to restrict the use of VPN services.
Experts believe that the technical implementation of this system is a complex process. Since 5G networks in Russia currently rely on LTE infrastructure, it is difficult for operators to accurately distinguish which specific resource a subscriber is accessing or whether they are connecting via a VPN. It is also noted that updating billing systems could lead to high costs and technical errors.
The expected 50 GB limit may be sufficient for average users, as the average mobile internet consumption in Russia in 2025 was approximately 24 GB per month. However, for users who watch high-quality (4K) video content, share internet with other devices, or work with foreign cloud platforms, this limit could be reached quickly.
These changes are expected to affect not only individual users but also companies working with foreign services. Experts recommend that businesses review their network infrastructure or take measures such as registering corporate VPN tunnels. For now, the project is in the discussion stage, and no final decision has been made regarding its mechanism and implementation timeline.
