MTS to Launch 600 Wi-Fi Hotspots in Central Moscow
They will run on the operator’s own infrastructure, with deployment scheduled for completion by the end of May.
Russian telecom operators are increasingly investing in urban infrastructure. For them, it is an effective way to introduce potential subscribers to their services, demonstrate network quality, and showcase the advantages of their broader ecosystem.
Internet Across Public Spaces
In this context, MTS is actively expanding its efforts. The company has announced a new project in Moscow aimed at growing its network of free public internet access points under the MTS_WiFi_Free brand.
The operator plans to extend coverage within the Third Transport Ring. In total, 600 access points will be deployed. They will be located in high-traffic areas – avenues, streets, squares, embankments, parks, and other popular public spaces, as well as in MTS retail stores.
Currently, about 300 public Wi-Fi hotspots operated by MTS are already available in central Moscow. They are open to subscribers of all mobile operators. To connect, users only need to authenticate via MTS ID – a unified account tied to a phone number. Once authorized, a device will automatically connect to the MTS_WiFi_Free network across all access points for one month, after which reauthorization through MTS ID is required.
Cost Savings
The company notes that the rollout relies entirely on its own infrastructure and backbone network.
“MTS has been developing public Wi-Fi networks for many years, and now we are moving beyond indoor coverage to give residents and visitors of the capital an additional way to stay connected and access free internet outdoors – even when their mobile balance runs out, or simply to reduce connectivity costs for heavy data users,” says Dmitry Rylov, Vice President and Director of the Moscow Region at MTS.
All access points in central Moscow are expected to be deployed by the end of May. Of these, 400 will operate in public spaces and another 200 in the operator’s retail locations.
2,000 New Hotspots in a Year
At first glance, the scale of the new MTS project may not seem significant. By the end of 2025, around 30,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots were already operating in Moscow. About 2,000 of them were installed over the past year, including 948 in student dormitories and 936 in public transport.
In just one year, residents and visitors of the Russian capital accessed the internet via public hotspots 60 million times. Total data consumption reached approximately 20 million gigabytes.
However, the importance of the project for MTS should not be underestimated. The operator is gaining hands-on experience in deploying public Wi-Fi infrastructure. This is not only about network performance, but also about ensuring data security. If MTS hotspots gain strong uptake in Moscow, the operator may expand similar networks to other major cities across Russia.
A Valuable Learning Curve
The rapid expansion of free public Wi-Fi networks is a global trend across major cities. It serves not only to improve convenience for residents, but also to attract tourists. In Paris, for example, users can connect near most landmarks as well as in public transport. Meanwhile, Seoul has shifted its focus from expanding coverage to improving quality, actively deploying access points that support the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard.
At this stage, it is clear that the MTS project aligns with current global trends. Urban Wi-Fi networks in Russia are expected to continue expanding, and the operator is gaining critical experience that will help it compete more effectively with other market players.
