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Russia Expands Mobile Number Portability to Allow Inter-Regional Transfers Starting September 1

From September 1, Russian subscribers can retain their mobile number when moving to another region and either switch to a new operator or stay with the existing one if coverage is available. Previously, the Mobile Number Portability service was restricted to transfers within a single federal subject, forcing users who relocated from cities such as Kazan to Moscow to obtain a new number or accept outdated regional tariffs. The updated rules remove this geographic limitation, reducing the administrative burden of updating contacts, banking applications, and online accounts linked to the phone number. Operators will now face greater competition because regional restrictions can no longer be used as a retention tool. Usage of the service has already grown sharply, with more than 4.3 million numbers ported in the first half of 2026, double the 2.1 million recorded in the same period of 2025. Since the launch of MNP in 2013, over 41 million numbers have changed operators, and the new inter-regional capability is expected to accelerate that trend further.

AntiMalwareTranslated from Russian

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From September 1, Russian subscribers gained the ability to keep their existing mobile number when relocating to another region. The change applies both to users who wish to switch operators and to those who prefer to remain with their current provider, provided network coverage exists at the new place of residence.

Until now, the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service operated only inside a single federal subject. Anyone moving from Kazan to Moscow, for example, had to choose between acquiring a new local number or continuing to use an old regional tariff plan. The revised legislation eliminates this digital residency requirement.

The reform simplifies everyday life for millions of citizens. Subscribers no longer need to update large numbers of contacts, reconfigure banking and government applications, or recreate accounts tied to their telephone number after an inter-regional move.

For operators the change intensifies competition. Retaining customers solely through regional tariff restrictions is no longer possible, forcing providers to improve service quality and pricing to prevent churn.

Statistics already show strong growth in porting activity. During the first half of 2026, Russians transferred more than 4.3 million numbers to other operators—twice the 2.1 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. Since the introduction of MNP in 2013, the cumulative total has exceeded 41 million ported numbers, and analysts expect the counter to rise even faster under the new nationwide rules.

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