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Rural Komi sees mobile internet boom after digital expansion project

From streaming films to gaming, remote villages in Komi are embracing the web like never before. New base stations will connect even more communities by 2026.

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The image shows a poster with trees and sky in the background, and text that reads "Investing in Communities: Biggest Investment in Rural Electricity Since the New Deal".

Rural Komi sees mobile internet boom after digital expansion project

Mobile internet use in rural areas of the Republic of Komi has surged following a major digital expansion project. In 2025, residents consumed 3.5 petabytes of data—50% more than the previous year—highlighting the growing need for reliable connectivity in remote communities. Local officials and telecom providers have now outlined further plans to strengthen the region’s digital network.

The increase in data usage came after Rostelecom and T2 Mobile Operator analysed traffic patterns in rural settlements as part of the Digital Inequality Elimination 2.0 project. This federal initiative, led by Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, has already brought mobile internet and voice services to over 13,000 residents across 56 villages, hamlets, and settlements.

Three settlements stood out for their high internet activity in 2025, collectively using 540 terabytes of data. Denisovka topped the list with 187 TB, equivalent to downloading 500,000 high-quality films or 45,000 video games. On average, each small settlement saw traffic grow by around 50 TB. Local leaders have stressed the importance of these improvements. Ilya Mennikov, head of the Shchelyabozh Village Administration, noted how vital connectivity is for isolated communities like Zakharvan. Denis Mchedlishvili, Komi’s Minister of Digital Development, also confirmed rising demand for better internet access in rural areas. Looking ahead, 18 more settlements will receive new cellular base stations in 2026. This expansion aims to further boost the region’s digital infrastructure and ensure more residents stay connected.

The project has already delivered mobile services to thousands in remote areas, with data usage climbing sharply. By 2026, additional base stations will extend coverage to even more settlements. The results so far show how expanded connectivity is transforming daily life in rural Komi.

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