The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media plans to provide high-speed internet along roads by 2031. As part of this initiative, mobile operators will have to install towers near Russian highways at their own expense. This will ensure high-speed internet coverage by the beginning of the next decade. According to the head of the department, Maksut Shadaev, the implementation of the project is under control.
It is noted that currently, communication towers are fully installed only on two new highways: M-11 "Neva" and M-12 "Vostok".
We have established an obligation for operators to build communication infrastructure along roads at their own expense, but there are problems with technical connection — it costs more than the base station itself.
He also emphasized that one of the key barriers to expanding high-speed internet is the delay in the adoption of a law that will facilitate the procedure for installing cell towers along roads.
It is expected that this change will allow placing objects in the roadside strip. In the first reading, the bill was approved in October 2024.
According to the planned schedule, high-speed internet connection will be provided on federal highways by 2031. After that, active development of coverage on regional roads of Russia will begin.
Earlier, Maksut Shadaev stated at a meeting in the State Duma that internet access on Russian railways will appear only after the introduction of satellite internet.
Read more on the topic:
Free Wi-Fi to Appear at Railway Stations in Russia
M-11 Neva Highway: How Much Does the Toll Cost Now, What are the Rules, Where to Stop for Rest
