Russian Ministry of Digital Development Proposes Paid VPN Traffic Over 50GB in 5G Networks, Excluding iPhones

Image: Wylsacom · Source

Russia's Ministry of Digital Development is discussing a free 50GB monthly limit on international VPN traffic via 5G networks, after which users must pay. The plan currently excludes iPhone users and faces technical challenges due to existing 5G LTE network configurations.

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development is reportedly in talks with telecom operators to introduce a monthly free limit of 50 gigabytes on international VPN traffic in 5G cellular networks. Any VPN data exceeding this threshold would require customers to pay an additional fee, according to a report by Kommersant cited by technology outlet Wylsacom.

This proposal targets only 5G networks, which means current users of devices such as iPhones operating on Russian networks would automatically be exempt, as the Ministry’s recommendation explicitly excludes them. The exclusion is likely due to the existing state of 5G infrastructure in Russia, which predominantly operates using a 5G NSA (Non-Standalone) standard. This means that 5G services are layered on top of LTE (4G) networks rather than operating as an independent network. Consequently, distinguishing and restricting VPN traffic specifically on 5G is technically challenging.

Experts referenced in the Kommersant report suggest that while it is theoretically possible for operators to differentiate between 5G and LTE traffic, and separate domestic from international traffic for pricing purposes, accomplishing all these simultaneously along with implementing new billing configurations would be complex. Specifically, operators would need to perform three simultaneous functions: differentiate 5G traffic from LTE, segregate Russian local traffic from international traffic, and establish corresponding tariffs.

Given that the present 5G NSA implementations intertwine with LTE, limiting VPN traffic based solely on 5G usage is currently not feasible without extensive technical developments. The Ministry of Digital Development has not yet established a timeline for enforcing this payment scheme, and it appears the rollout will require overcoming significant network and billing infrastructure obstacles.

This move reflects ongoing regulatory efforts within Russia to manage and monetize international internet traffic, particularly VPN usage, against the backdrop of broader digital sovereignty and control agendas. The exclusion of iPhones indicates device-specific considerations are part of the Ministry’s strategy, possibly due to policy, user base, or technical reasons.

As of now, the proposal remains under discussion, and further details including enforcement dates and operator cooperation are yet to be clarified. Users of Russian 5G networks should monitor developments as they may impact VPN usage costs in the future.