Russian Voice Traffic Surges 25-30% as Mobile Internet Usage Falls for First Time

In the first half of 2026, voice traffic in Russian mobile networks grew by 25-30 percent while mobile internet consumption declined 10-12 percent for the first time. Home broadband traffic rose 18-20 percent as users shifted conversations to traditional voice calls and moved video, AI services, and other data-heavy applications to fixed Wi-Fi connections. Experts attribute the changes primarily to mobile internet restrictions and difficulties accessing foreign messengers, prompting a return to basic phone functionality. Additional load on wired networks comes from IoT devices including surveillance cameras, sensors, and smart watches. In May, traffic generated by AI bots exceeded the volume of data created by human users for the first time. Analysts forecast that by the end of 2026 mobile internet traffic will drop another 5-10 percent, while fixed broadband will grow 15-20 percent and voice call volumes will increase 10-15 percent.

AntiMalwareTranslated from Russian

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In the first half of 2026, the volume of voice traffic in Russian mobile networks increased by 25-30 percent, while consumption of mobile internet declined by 10-12 percent for the first time.

Users have begun returning to traditional phone calls as the primary means of communication. At the same time, home broadband traffic grew by approximately 18-20 percent, according to reports from Izvestia.

Analysts cite two main drivers: restrictions on mobile internet access and difficulties reaching foreign messengers. As a result, everyday conversations are moving back to voice services, while bandwidth-intensive activities such as video streaming, AI tools, and other heavy services are being offloaded to home or office Wi-Fi networks.

Fixed-line networks are also experiencing extra demand from the growing number of IoT devices, including video surveillance cameras, sensors, and smart watches.

In May, traffic generated by AI bots exceeded the volume of data created by human users for the first time. Projections for the full year 2026 indicate a further 5-10 percent decline in mobile internet traffic, a 15-20 percent increase in wired broadband, and a 10-15 percent rise in telephone call volumes.

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