The suppliers will be required to install equipment for intelligence agencies even before receiving the license.
The Ministry of Digital Development is discussing new requirements for Internet providers: companies may be required to install SORM equipment and undergo a test of its readiness for work by the intelligence services, even before receiving the license, Izvestia reports citing sources.
Now an operator can get a license even if SORM equipment has not yet been installed. It is enough to indicate in the network project that it will appear later. It will take up to two years. Some companies delay installation for years or don't comply at all.
The new rules should close this loophole. In particular, they can prevent unscrupulous vendors who obtain a license, operate without SORM, and then close the legal entity and register a new one to start all over again.
However, for smaller operators the requirements can result in significant costs. According to market participants, the minimum set of equipment exceeds 5 million rubles. A complete system with a subsystem for storing Internet traffic can cost more than 30 million rubles.
Experts fear that not all regional suppliers will be able to afford such investments - especially if they must be made before starting work and receiving the first revenues. The departure of smaller companies could reduce competition and lead to higher prices, especially in populated areas where the choice of operators is limited.
The Ministry of Digital Development confirms that the initiative is in the discussion stage. No final decision yet.