The Russian Ministry of Digital Development is proposing to ban the "sub-dealer" scheme for selling SIM cards. Under current rules, individuals and sole proprietors have the right to enter into contracts and sell SIM cards on behalf of operators. If the new initiative is adopted, this right is planned to be granted only to legal entities that have a direct agency agreement with an operator.
This measure is being considered as part of the third package of measures to combat cyber fraud, known as "Antifraud 3.0". A representative of the Russian Interior Ministry, Filipp Nemov, stated that it is necessary to review existing dealer and sub-dealer networks and to completely eliminate sub-dealerships. As of September 2026, the proposals are still under discussion, and no final decision has been made.
It should be noted that there are already restrictions on the purchase of SIM cards for foreign citizens in Russia. According to current rules, one foreign citizen can purchase no more than 10 SIM cards. In addition, starting from 2025, requirements for new user identity verification procedures, including identification via biometric systems, have been tightened.
Experts believe that abandoning sub-dealerships could reduce the availability of SIM cards at retail points and steer consumers toward using online services. Currently, negotiations on this initiative are ongoing between government agencies and telecommunications operators.
