Russians Will Soon Be Able to Pay for Parking Through a Free Wi-Fi Network
A growing public Wi‑Fi network in St. Petersburg now allows residents to pay for parking without mobile data, while also enabling everyday digital services such as taxi booking and online banking.
Public Wi‑Fi Takes on Urban Services
St. Petersburg has introduced a new capability for paying for street parking through a free municipal Wi‑Fi network that includes 1064 access points. By connecting to the public network, residents can pay for parking without relying on mobile internet connectivity or dedicated apps. The same system gives users access to essential services such as taxi ordering, medical appointments, and banking applications.
A Growing Digital Infrastructure
Earlier reports noted that by the summer of 2025, Wi‑Fi usage across the city had increased by a factor of 3.6. At the same time, multiple regions began rolling out maps of public access points to help residents quickly locate free, reliable internet. Russia also plans to equip all educational and medical institutions with secure Wi‑Fi networks, forming a consistent nationwide digital infrastructure.
A Foundation for Smarter Cities
Providing free connectivity for essential services lowers barriers to digital access and helps modernize urban mobility. Public Wi‑Fi‑based payment options are especially valuable for residents with limited mobile data plans or those in areas with weaker cellular coverage. As the network expands, Russian cities are positioning themselves to support more advanced digital services that benefit both citizens and businesses.
