Russian mobile operators may jack up prices of their services once they comply with the requirement to provide citizens with free access to websites of government agencies.
If the government does not compensate operators for this new service, consumer mobile phone plans will skyrocket, experts say.
The new legislation requires mobile service providers to stop, as of June 1, charging users for visiting government agencies’ websites, following an order by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In particular, subscribers will always be able to access the Gosuslugi government services portal and the websites of all authorities.
Experts suggest compensating the operators’ additional costs by granting them tax benefits. They can also launch new ‘social’ mobile plans, with a minimum monthly charge and the option of visiting government agencies’ websites free, Kommersant writes.
The operators have already estimated the cost of providing free access to the selected websites – they will lose RUR 150 bln ($2 bln) a year. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media has opposed the initiative to compensate mobile operators.