Russian mobile operators are not ready to implement planned VPN traffic charges that were supposed to start May 1, according to industry sources. The delay highlights the technical complexity of Moscow’s efforts to crack down on virtual private networks, which millions of Russians use to bypass internet restrictions.
Three sources familiar with the matter told Vedomosti that operators are struggling to reconfigure billing systems capable of monitoring traffic consumption and charging users in real time. The technical challenges could push implementation back months or even years.
The proposed system would charge mobile users extra fees for international traffic exceeding 15 gigabytes per month. Sources cited by the BBC’s Russian service said operators could charge around 150 rubles ($2.00) per gigabyte above that limit. The policy is part of a broader government campaign to reduce VPN usage, which has become widespread as authorities tighten internet controls.
“It will take until autumn to rework billing systems,” one source told the newspaper. Another said several operators had requested a few months to revise tariff plans, with the Digital Development Ministry potentially granting delays until September 1 or even early 2028.
The technical hurdles go beyond just billing systems. Industry participants say key questions remain unresolved about how to classify “international” traffic. Some Russian companies rely on foreign IP addresses for legitimate business purposes, while content delivery networks operated by companies like Google can effectively localize traffic within Russia.
Operators also lack clear guidance on enforcement. If users exceed the 15 GB threshold without paying, it’s unclear whether companies should throttle internet speeds, automatically deduct funds, or cut off access entirely.
The scale of the challenge is enormous. Implementing the new system would require tracking traffic for around 180 million users and rewriting tariff structures across the industry. Konstantin Ankilov, head of consultancy TMT Consulting, told Vedomosti that such changes typically take months and sometimes up to half a year.
This delay comes as the Russian government intensifies its crackdown on circumvention tools. From April 1, operators were ordered to stop allowing Apple ID top-ups via mobile accounts, limiting a common way Russians pay for VPN services. The Digital Development Ministry has also moved to revoke accreditation from IT companies that allow VPN access and remove such services from “whitelists” that permit access during internet shutdowns.
The broader context makes these technical delays particularly significant. VPNs have become essential tools for many Russians to access blocked websites and services, from social media platforms to independent news sources. As the government tightens internet controls, millions rely on these services for basic online activities.
Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev said in late March that reducing VPN usage had become a priority for his ministry. Sources cited by Forbes Russia said the push followed a confidential directive from President Vladimir Putin, though the Kremlin has denied knowledge of such a document.
The technical delays underscore the practical difficulties governments face when trying to control internet traffic at scale. Even with significant resources and regulatory authority, implementing sophisticated monitoring and billing systems across an entire telecom industry presents major logistical challenges that can take years to resolve.