Ministry proposes forcing developers to allow three telecom providers

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has proposed obligating developers to build telecommunications infrastructure for at least three independent operators in new and reconstructed apartment buildings. According to Forbes, the draft law establishes unified engineering standards and strengthens state control during the commissioning phase of residential properties.

• The bill requires designing infrastructure for at least three telecom operators simultaneously in new residential buildings.
• Commissioning permits will be denied if the communication infrastructure fails to meet the new mandatory standards.
• Monopolistic network seizure and excessive capacity reservation without actual use for two years are strictly prohibited.
• The new requirements will take effect on March 1, 2028, applying to developments with construction permits issued after this date.

Core requirements and construction control

Under the new initiative, developers will be required to account for access provisions for at least three providers starting from the architectural design stage. This applies to both indoor premises and linear cable structures within and outside the land plot. If there is no existing cable infrastructure of the required capacity nearby, it must be built by the connecting operator or other authorized entities.

Special attention is given to the commissioning stage of residential buildings. State authorities issuing permits will mandatorily verify whether the telecommunications infrastructure complies with the new regulatory standards. If the infrastructure fails to meet project requirements, the building will not receive an occupancy permit, ensuring citizens' rights to choose their preferred telecom provider.

Combatting monopoly and excessive capacity reservation

The draft law also introduces strict limitations against monopolistic infrastructure capture. It prohibits placing more than one network of a single operator or affiliated group if it hinders the access of at least three independent operators. Furthermore, infrastructure owners are obligated to provide operators with access for a fee that does not exceed economically justified costs and reasonable profit.

Additionally, the document addresses the issue of excessive capacity reservation. If infrastructure remains unused and unclaimed by operators for two consecutive years, it will be recognized as excessively reserved. While the owner retains property rights, they are mandated to grant access to other operators under the exact same conditions applied to actively utilized networks.

Background and reasons for the legislative initiative

The catalyst for these strict measures was a prolonged conflict involving major developer PIK and its affiliated telecom operator Lovitel. In March 2025, a DDoS attack targeted Lovitel, leaving thousands of residents in PIK residential complexes without internet, pay TV, and smart home services due to the lack of alternative providers in the buildings.

In September 2025, Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service initiated an antitrust case against the PIK group. Investigations revealed that the developer and affiliated management companies restricted other providers from accessing residential infrastructure in Moscow, the Moscow region, and Saint Petersburg. The new rules aim to permanently eradicate such uncompetitive practices.

What this means for the market and citizens

For ordinary citizens and residents of new apartment buildings, the legislation guarantees the right to independently choose an internet and digital service provider without having monopoly services forced upon them. This is expected to improve connection quality and lower tariffs through genuine market competition.

For the construction business and telecom operators, these regulations introduce new engineering and compliance responsibilities. The access rules will come into force on March 1, 2028, applying to buildings whose construction permits or design documentation approvals are obtained after this date.