Market Trends of Russia ICT Industry
Telecommunication Services are Driving the Russian ICT Market
- The telecommunications sector in Russia is among the most important drivers of the ICT market. The sector is witnessing continuous growth in the country, underpinned by advancements in network infrastructure, mobile and broadband services, government initiatives, and the increasing demand for digital services. As telecommunications services evolve, they create new opportunities for innovation, economic development, and enhanced connectivity.
- Also, telecommunication companies in Russia continuously increase their investments to increase their market share by launching new solutions partnerships or facility expansions. For instance, in April 2024, Irteya, a subsidiary company of MTS, announced its plan to start production of 4G LTE and 5G base stations. With these developments, the company aims to be independent and can now produce base stations at its own premises.
- Mobile and broadband penetration in Russia has been steadily increasing, driven by the growing need for reliable and high-speed internet access. Leading telecom companies such as MTS, Beeline, Megafon, and Tele2 look forward to expanding their coverage and enhancing service quality. The widespread availability of affordable smartphones and mobile data plans has facilitated broader access to mobile Internet, benefiting previously underserved communities.
- Also, Russia is witnessing a growing demand for 5G collections as more consumers demand faster Internet. As per the report by GSMA, the number of 5G connections in Russia was 1 million in 2020, which reached 23 million in 2023; it is expected to reach 48 million by 2025. Such growing 5G connections will drive the market in Russia.
- Investments in the telecom sector by both domestic and foreign entities are another significant factor contributing to growth. Governments in Russia are continually investing in expanding their networks, upgrading existing infrastructure, and exploring new technologies.
- For instance, in December 2023, the Ministry of Digital Development announced that the government would actively deploy 5G networks at domestic base stations in large Russian cities in 2026. Also, the government will allocate USD 38.6 billion to create the base station that would facilitate the transition to 5G networks for operators.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
The Demand for ICT in the E-Commerce and Retail Sector is Growing in Russia
- The ICT landscape in Russia is rapidly evolving, and one of the most dynamic areas benefiting from this transformation is the e-commerce and retail sectors. The integration of ICT is driving significant growth and innovation, reshaping the operations of the retail sector and the customers.
- Advanced ICT solutions have enabled the development of innovative online platforms that provide seamless and secure shopping experiences. E-commerce companies in Russia like Ozon, Wildberries, and Yandex leverage ICT to optimize their websites and mobile applications, offering personalized recommendations, real-time inventory updates, and secure payment gateways.
- Russia has also witnessed a growing trade in e-commerce. According to the report by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, retail trade has been growing in the country. In 2018, retail trade was 5%, which reached 19% in 2023. This increase in retail trade indicated the consumer inclination toward the e-commerce sector with the growing internet penetration and the emergence of new retailers in the country.
- Like e-commerce, the traditional retail sector in Russia is also witnessing significant transformations due to the integration of ICT. The retail landscape is becoming increasingly digitalized, offering enhanced online and physical shopping experiences. The concept of smart stores is gaining traction in Russia, where ICT technologies like IoT, RFID, and augmented reality (AR) are used to enhance the in-store experience. For instance, retailers are using IoT sensors to track customer movements, optimize store layouts, and manage inventory in real time. AR is being used to create interactive and immersive shopping experiences, allowing customers to visualize products before making a purchase.
- As the demand increases, many retailers are launching new solutions in the retail sector, looking at the growing adoption of digital solutions. For instance, in April 2024, Rostelecom announced the launch of a new AI-based service, "Digital Advisor," for the retail sector in Russia. With this, the company offers a solution that improves customer experience and frees up store staff's resources to focus on non-routine tasks for which human presence is necessary. Such developments are expected to drive the market in the future.
