The largest Russian telecommunications companies plan to launch payment for communication and other services using the digital ruble. Starting September 1, MTS clients will have this option.

A company representative explained that payment with the third form of currency will apply to all services where the MTS Pay payment module is integrated. The owner of an account with digital rubles needs to select a bank and make the payment. The payment process will be the same as through the SBP (Faster Payments System).

MegaFon and Rostelecom also plan to implement digital ruble payments. The latter operator is cooperating with one of the domestic banks to launch such a service. VimpelCom (operating in the market under the beeline brand) declined to comment.

Banks in Russia must provide clients with the ability to make payments in digital rubles starting September 1. Wallets with tokens will be hosted on a special Central Bank platform, not on the servers of credit organizations. Russians will be able to access their wallets through their bank's mobile application. The regulator promises that the introduction of the third form of national currency will be gradual.