Russian internet traffic to grow by 20% in 2026 due to changes

The total volume of internet traffic in Russia could increase by approximately 20% by the end of 2026. However, analysts attribute this dynamic not so much to an increase in actual content consumption by users, but rather to a large-scale restructuring of network infrastructure and changing data routing paths.

• Projected growth of total internet traffic in Russia in 2026 is around 20%.
• Mobile internet traffic decreased by 7.8% in Q1 and by another 6% in Q2 according to the Ministry of Digital Development.
• Consumption through fixed broadband home networks surged by 55% in the second quarter.
• Peak load on the MSK-IX traffic exchange point grew from 8.3 to 9.4 Tbps over nine months.

Traffic Exchange Points and Operator Statistics

Major Russian traffic exchange points report significant growth in data transmission volumes amidst changing network topologies. In the Piter-IX network, the volume of transferred data reached 1.3 Tbps in September, marking a 24% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, at MSK-IX, total traffic grew by 13–17% during the first nine months of 2026.

At the same time, the dynamics of different segments vary considerably. The European traffic segment reached a plateau following significant growth in 2025. Conversely, the domestic Russian segment continues to expand rapidly driven by local online platforms and domestic digital services.

Impact of Mobile Internet Restrictions

A key driver behind the shift in traffic structure has been ongoing restrictions on mobile internet and popular messaging apps. According to official data from the Ministry of Digital Development, mobile internet traffic in Russia dropped by 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026, followed by another 6% decrease in the second quarter.

Concurrently, fixed-line networks experienced an unprecedented surge in load. Consumption via fixed broadband home networks increased by 55% in the second quarter. Users actively switched their traffic consumption from cellular networks to home Wi-Fi infrastructure.

Changes in Foreign Traffic Routing and New Loads

Foreign internet traffic has not disappeared entirely, but the methods of its delivery have changed fundamentally. Part of the data flows through alternative routes, including channels passing through Belarus. Additional network load is generated by requests to foreign software repositories, AI models, online games, and operating system updates for Android and iOS.

Simultaneously, domestic Russian traffic is growing due to the development of local online services, domestic AI solutions, and extensive video surveillance networks. Transit data traffic moving from Asia to Europe through Russian infrastructure remains another notable factor contributing to overall network loads.

What This Means for the Market

Industry analysts note that accurately separating domestic and foreign traffic is becoming increasingly difficult due to hosting specifics and routing complexities. Therefore, the growth in traffic metrics does not necessarily mean that people are using the internet more; rather, it reflects a large-scale reorganization of network routes under infrastructural constraints.