Beeline to Host Its Network Core at Russian Railways Data Center
Russia’s telecom operator Beeline is set to place core network equipment at a Russian Railways data center in Yekaterinburg, marking a cross-industry partnership aimed at boosting service quality across the Urals.
A New Level of Cooperation
Large-scale IT projects are inevitably reaching a point where success depends on cooperation among major players – even those from entirely different industries. A recent example is Beeline’s decision to deploy the core of its telecommunications network at a Russian Railways data center in Yekaterinburg.
The move will see Beeline (PJSC VimpelCom) host its network core equipment at Russian Railways (RZD). By bringing the “heart and brain” of the network closer to end users, the operator expects to improve connection quality throughout the Ural region.
The agreement between the two companies was signed back in December and runs for 10 years. This long-term arrangement reflects a strategic partnership between two corporations of national importance, aimed at ensuring stable connectivity between Russian cities and regions.
Better Service Quality at Lower Cost
According to Beeline’s press service, the partnership emerged from a search for the most economically efficient way to expand its network. By relying on existing infrastructure and prioritizing advanced technologies, the operator aims to use resources more efficiently, streamline internal processes and accelerate development.
Beeline and Russian Railways have worked closely together for many years. Valery Shorzhin, Deputy CEO and Head of Beeline’s technical division, explained the logic behind the decision: both companies, in different ways, are responsible for connecting people, regions and countries. He noted the strong synergy and reliability of the partnership and said Beeline trusts RZD’s infrastructure and expertise, which led to the decision to locate its network core in the Ural Federal District at RZD facilities.
A Long-Term Partnership Model
Russian Railways Deputy CEO Evgeny Charkin highlighted that RZD has long provided Beeline with infrastructure resources for equipment placement and communications. A joint project is already operating in St. Petersburg, and the Yekaterinburg data center marks another milestone.
“Russian Railways has been providing Beeline with access to its infrastructure resources for equipment placement and network deployment for many years. For example, we have already delivered a joint project in St. Petersburg. Now Beeline, the first among Russia’s ‘big four’ mobile operators, is using a Russian Railways data center to host its network core in the Ural region. The Russian Railways data center in Yekaterinburg has been built to the highest industry standards and fully meets all requirements for reliability and availability,” Charkin explained.
Beeline has become the first of Russia’s “big four” mobile operators to use an RZD data center to host its network core in the Urals. The Yekaterinburg facility was built to the industry’s highest standards and meets stringent requirements for reliability and availability, making it suitable for hosting critical telecom infrastructure.
Why This Matters Nationwide
The project is significant for several reasons. First, Beeline can substantially improve service quality while keeping costs under control. Second, it supports the continued development of a nationwide network of regional data centers. For many market players, this partnership serves as a practical example of how state-owned and large corporate data centers can be commercially leveraged.
Cooperation with telecom operators has already accelerated the rollout of regional data centers across Russia. In 2023, Russian company KeyPoint launched construction of several facilities, including a 4 MW data center in Yekaterinburg announced in January, with Beeline as its anchor tenant. Construction began in Novosibirsk in April, with preparations also underway in Primorsky Krai.
As early as 2025, the number of partnerships between telecom operators and large infrastructure platforms began to grow rapidly, following models like the one announced by Russian Railways and Beeline.
By 2025, partnerships between telecom operators and major infrastructure platforms like this one have begun to grow rapidly. Such collaborations are expected to expand further across Russia, not only in the Urals but nationwide. Regional data centers could become critical hubs for building next-generation infrastructure, including 5G networks. Importantly, suitable hosting sites for telecom equipment are not limited to traditional IT players – facilities operated by companies in transport, energy, mining and other sectors can also play a role.
