Boosted Mobile Internet Speeds in Russia by MegaFon at a Rate of 12%
In the rapidly evolving world of telecommunications, Megafon, a leading Russian mobile operator, has made significant strides in enhancing mobile internet speeds and network coverage across the country.
In January 2025, Megafon signed a groundbreaking agreement with BÜRO 1440 for connection to satellite communication channels using a low-orbit satellite constellation [1]. This agreement marks a significant step towards improving service quality and speed in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
The first half of 2025 has seen a 26% increase in the median download speed in the Republic of Buryatia, reaching 34.33 Mbps [2]. Moreover, Megafon's network median download speed increased by 12.36% over the year, reaching an impressive 43.74 Mbps [2]. The median upload speed during the same period was 11.45 Mbps [2].
Infrastructure updates have been extensive, with more than 120 telecom objects built and modernized in the Republic of Buryatia by the operator since the beginning of the year [3]. These updates have affected key highways, including M-11 ("Neva"), M-12 ("Vostok"), and M-4 ("Don"), ensuring the work of digital services on them with more than 200 new base stations [4].
The transition from outdated communication standards to 4G is currently underway in Moscow and 74 other regions of the country [5]. This transition, coupled with the agreement with BÜRO 1440, is expected to speed up and reduce latency compared to high geostationary orbit satellites, further improving service quality [6].
Megafon's extensive network coverage has also seen a 17.4% increase this year [7]. The operator, which has been a leader in this parameter for four consecutive years, offers coverage across major cities and regions [8].
The agreement with BÜRO 1440 is the first of its kind among federal telecommunications operators in Russia [1]. It allows Megafon to provide satellite communication at base stations where laying fiber optic cables is impossible or impractical [9].
Recent studies by Ookla®, an international company specialising in internet testing and analysis, have confirmed Megafon's position as the fastest mobile operator in Russia. In the Speedtest Awards for the first half of 2025, Megafon achieved a Speed Score of 50.97, indicating its position as one of the leading mobile networks in Russia [2].
While specific details about the network coverage in the Ookla study for the first half of 2025 are not provided, Russia generally has extensive coverage of mobile networks including 4G. Megafon, like other Russian operators, offers coverage across major cities and regions. For instance, 4G coverage is prevalent in most areas, with 5G connections also being implemented gradually [3][4].
The implementation of this agreement may lead to significant improvements in mobile internet speeds and coverage in remote and hard-to-reach areas across Russia. Ookla® specialists conducted a large-scale analysis of service quality on each 5 sq. km plot across the country where there is cellular coverage [10]. This initiative underscores Megafon's commitment to providing high-quality mobile services to all parts of Russia.
Technology plays a crucial role in the agreement between Megafon and BÜRO 1440, leveraging low-orbit satellite communication channels to improve service quality and speed in hard-to-reach areas. This cutting-edge technology is expected to lead to significant improvements in mobile internet speeds and coverage across Russia, especially in remote regions.
