Yandex plans to launch a virtual mobile operator (MVNO) in the summer of 2026 based on VimpelCom's network. Sources in the telecom market reported this.
The company chose the Medium MVNO model. The radio access network will remain with the host operator, while the company will take on product development, billing, sales, and subscriber service. The name of the future operator has not yet been disclosed.
According to analysts' estimates, investments in the launch could amount to up to 6 billion rubles. Its own operator will make it possible to strengthen the ecosystem and advertising tools.
Earlier, a structure affiliated with the company received a license to provide communications services in Moscow, St. Petersburg, as well as the Moscow and Leningrad regions — key regions for the launch.
The MVNO market in Russia has already taken shape. The largest player remains Yota with a share of about 45%, followed by T-Mobile and SberMobile. VimpelCom currently occupies less than 1% of the segment, but expects to increase its share to 25% by 2028.