Russian E-Commerce Giant Wildberries May Launch Mobile Service

Wildberries is reportedly exploring the launch of its own MVNO, expanding its growing digital ecosystem.

Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, is considering entering the mobile telecom market, according to a report by Kommersant. The company is in talks to launch a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).

An MVNO does not build its own network infrastructure, but instead leases capacity from major providers like MTS, MegaFon, or T2, offering mobile services under its own brand. The MVNO sector is growing rapidly in Russia, with over 20 million users already subscribed to services like Yota, SberMobile, and T-Mobile.

Industry analysts see Wildberries’ potential move as a natural step in expanding its ecosystem. The company already operates its own bank, payment system, and video platform. Adding mobile connectivity would enable it to offer personalized phone plans—such as discounts on purchases or cashback for using telecom services.

If successful, Wildberries would become one of the first Russian marketplaces to provide not just goods and financial services, but also mobile connectivity. The move aligns with a broader trend of building digital ecosystems that integrate diverse services within a single platform.

Russia’s e-commerce sector grew by 40% in the past year, and marketplaces like Wildberries are playing an increasingly important role in the national economy.