MTS Named Russia’s Most Technologically Advanced Telecom Operator
According to a new report by J’son & Partners Consulting, MTS has been recognized as the country’s top telecom operator for technological development—outperforming competitors such as MegaFon, Beeline, and Rostelecom in innovation, research activity, and service quality.
Beyond Revenue Metrics
Competition in Russia’s telecom market is intensifying, but the key to leadership is no longer limited to pricing. Service quality and technological innovation now define success. That shift has led major operators to invest heavily in R&D and advanced infrastructure.
A recent study by J’son & Partners Consulting assessed technological progress among all leading Russian telecom providers. Analysts examined patent data from the Federal Institute of Industrial Property, national software registries, press releases, and research from independent agencies and consulting firms. The study also incorporated expert interviews and a survey of 1,500 telecom users.
The results placed MTS at the top of the ranking, with an overall score of 79 out of 100. MegaFon and Beeline rounded out the top three, followed by T2 and Rostelecom.
Innovation-Driven Growth
According to the researchers, MTS’s strong position stems primarily from its scientific and technical activity—measured by the number of patents, registered industrial designs, and software developments—as well as its innovation in core consumer services.
In recent years, MTS has introduced a number of noteworthy technologies. Subscribers can now make calls not only from smartphones but also via smart speakers using the Alice voice assistant. The company has also implemented advanced tools to combat telecom fraud, including an AI-based voice recognition algorithm that can detect synthetic or generated voices. These innovations form only part of the company’s broader digital modernization effort.
Preparing for the Next-Gen Network Transition
For the B2B and B2G segments, MTS is prioritizing cybersecurity, IoT, computing infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Central to this strategy is the rollout of 5G technology, which will enable new applications in industrial automation and the Internet of Things. Large-scale installation of next-generation base stations is set to begin in 2026. By 2030, 5G coverage is expected to reach 16 cities and up to 17 million subscribers.
MTS is already laying the groundwork for this transition. Earlier this year, the company tested a pilot 5G/6G network architecture in which base stations are centralized at a switching node—an approach that accelerates network deployment, increases reliability, and reduces hardware costs. MTS also announced the launch of Russia’s first domestically produced 5G base station, developed by the Russian firm Irteya, in which MTS holds a 50% stake.
5G Goes to Space
In a landmark move, MTS has become the first Russian operator to begin deploying 5G base stations on satellites. Successful lab tests have already simulated smartphone communication through a satellite channel. The project’s primary goal is to provide nationwide mobile coverage, including remote regions beyond terrestrial network reach.
MTS is also expanding internationally, particularly across the CIS, where it is promoting its entertainment and multimedia platforms. Its anti-fraud technologies have also drawn export interest from foreign partners.
Meanwhile, other telecom operators are investing heavily in modernization to strengthen competition—ultimately benefiting consumers, who will gain access to more reliable, high-quality services at fair prices.
