Rostelecom offers small ISPs relief from surveillance costs in exchange for infrastructure and subscribers

Rostelecom and TransTeleCom are proposing service agreements to small regional internet providers, offering to cover surveillance-related costs in exchange for control of their infrastructure and subscriber bases. This move consolidates state control over Russia's internet backbone, reducing independent operators and increasing government surveillance capabilities. The deal's terms and the voluntary nature of the agreements remain uncertain, but the trend signals further centralization of Russia's telecom sector.