A New Map of Telecom Solutions Unveiled in Russia
The solution will make it easier for companies to choose the right equipment.
Today, telecom customers are looking for more than just alternatives to foreign technologies. Increasingly, they also want to know how mature and reliable those alternatives are. But how can companies navigate the growing range of available equipment? The Bud' na svyazi (Stay Connected) solutions map is designed to help.
15,000 Hours of Testing
The team at K2Tech, together with colleagues from other companies, has released an updated version of the Bud' na svyazi telecom solutions map. It incorporates the results of more than 15,000 hours of testing, as well as pilot projects and equipment deployments at the country's largest sites. The map covers more than 300 solutions across network technologies, unified communications, information security and technical support.
The project is essentially aimed at the corporate sector and the people responsible for technology decisions. It organizes the solutions currently available in the telecom sector. The map helps IT directors, systems architects, engineers and information security professionals compare products on the market, assess their suitability for pilot projects and deployment in corporate infrastructure.
Only Reliable Equipment Makes the List
In total, experts analyzed about 1,000 solutions available on the market. More than 300 of them were ultimately included in the map. The list focuses on the most mature offerings that meet current requirements. The analysis also identified key development trends within each category, which are reflected in the map. The authors paid particular attention to integration capabilities, compatibility with existing infrastructure, availability of technical support and migration scenarios.
Notably, the map was based not only on the equipment's stated specifications but also on how it performs in real-world operation. Experts simulated typical workloads in an IT laboratory and consolidated the results of pilot projects and deployments. The analysis also covered offerings that had entered the market the previous year. As a result, the updated map provides a broader view of the market, makes it possible to compare solution classes and helps companies develop a more informed path from technology selection to deployment.
High Demand Is Expected
The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation expects the share of Russian GSM/LTE/5G base stations among those installed each year to rise from 15% in 2026 to 33% in 2027, 66% in 2028 and 100% by 2029. This points to growing demand for Russian-made equipment.
Demand for Russian equipment began to accelerate in 2022, when foreign manufacturers left the market. The initial stage was largely preparatory, as companies gradually developed new capabilities. At the same time, telecom operators began signing forward contracts for future equipment deliveries. In particular, MegaFon and Rostelecom signed agreements with Yadro. Testing of the equipment under development was to precede the deliveries.
A New Technology Transition
By 2024, Russian base stations had entered trial operation, with about 200 units integrated into networks across 37 regions of the country. Russia is now gradually moving toward 5G connectivity. Although operators are still allowed to use the imported equipment they already have to deploy networks, replacement with Russian-made alternatives is scheduled to begin next year.
Against this backdrop, the market needs Russian technology development more than ever. Equipment manufacturers have products to offer, but companies need to select genuinely mature solutions to minimize the number of problems that emerge during operation. From this perspective, products such as the Bud' na svyazi map are likely to remain in consistently high demand.
