Sergei Ivanov, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, complained to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin that mobile services are too expensive in Russia, even for members of parliament.
"In Ukraine, calling from Sevastopol to Kharkiv costs 15 kopecks per minute, but in Russia, calling from Kursk to Moscow is 6-10 roubles. Can the government support restrictions on cellular monopolies? Is it possible to extend this policy to parliament? There is flagrant monopoly here!" he said.
"What do you mean by this policy? Do you wish to have corporate mobile phones? Or are you talking about monopolies? Well, I don't establish parliamentary regulations. As for the issue you raised, the current trend around the world is mergers, although of course this should not lead to the monopolisation of the market. You have compared Russia with Ukraine; but mobile services inside Russia are much cheaper than in Europe. The problem is roaming, which is more expensive. The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service is currently investigating the issue."
Andrei Ryabtsev