Staying Connected with Loved Ones from Russia

Published on October 5, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In an ever-changing world where physical distances should no longer be barriers, staying connected with loved ones, even from Russia, has become essential. Whether through modern applications, instant messaging services, or video calls, the options are numerous. However, the diversity of available tools and region-specific challenges, such as internet restrictions or language barriers, require a well-informed approach. This article will guide you in keeping your family and friendship bonds strong and vibrant, despite the thousands of kilometers that might separate you.

Main Internet Service Providers in Russia

The main internet service providers in Russia are Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline, and MegaFon. These operators play a central role in the country’s connectivity, both for residents and expatriates.

Provider	Network Coverage	Service Types	Market Share (approx.)	Quality and Reputation
MTS	National, urban & rural	Fiber optic, ADSL, mobile (4G/5G)	Leader (~30%)	Very reliable, excellent coverage; strong customer service
Beeline	Mainly national urban	Fiber optic, ADSL, mobile (4G/5G)	Significant (>20%)	Good speed in cities; competitive pricing; appreciated reliability
MegaFon	Very broad national	Mobile (4G/5G), fiber optic	Significant (>20%)	Renowned for technological innovation and mobile network speed
Rostelecom	Primarily fixed-line	Fiber optic & ADSL	Leader in fixed-line	Good stability for fixed-line; sometimes criticized for customer service agility

• MTS offers the most extensive mobile coverage in the country—even in isolated villages or remote areas—making it a safe choice for those who travel frequently or live outside major cities.
• Beeline provides excellent 4G/5G availability in large cities and regional centers. Its plans are often seen as economical without sacrificing quality.
• MegaFon stands out for its technological innovations: its mobile network is among the fastest in the Russian urban market. It also has a good fiber optic presence.
• Rostelecom remains the historical leader in fixed internet with very extensive fiber coverage throughout the country.

Services offered:

• Internet access via ADSL, fiber optic (ultra-high speed), mobile 4G/LTE or even 5G depending on location.
• “Triple play” packages: internet + phone + cable/satellite TV available from all these operators.

Service quality and reputation:

Reliability is generally high with MTS and MegaFon, especially for mobile access. Beeline stands out for its good value for money and a smooth user experience in Russian metropolises.

Customer support varies by operator: MTS and Beeline have received positive reviews for their responsiveness. Rostelecom may be perceived as less agile but remains very stable on its fixed networks.

Contribution to connectivity:

These players enable expatriates and locals alike:

• To easily stay connected with their families via international calls or high-speed instant messaging;
• To access the web everywhere thanks to a local SIM card or eSIM;

This greatly facilitates:

• Access to international banking services,
• Remote work,
• Video communications abroad,

which is particularly crucial for those whose family circles live outside Russia.

Price Comparison

Prices vary significantly depending on usage:

Usage	Monthly Price Range
Prepaid mobile	~400–900 RUB
High-speed fiber	~600–1,500 RUB

Tips:

• For mobile travelers or expatriates: prioritize MTS or MegaFon for their reliable national coverage.
• For urban residents seeking savings: Beeline often offers the cheapest data/fiber plans without major compromises on quality.
• For families wanting simultaneous access to TV/phone/high-speed internet: choose Rostelecom or MTS for their complete “triple play” packages.

The optimal choice therefore depends on:

1. Your exact location
2. The type of intended usage (mobile vs. home)
3. Your priority between low price, speed, or stability

For any subscription:

• Passport required
• Prefer flexible plans for temporary stays

Permitted Communication Tools: What You Need to Know

Main Legal and Accessible Applications

Application	Current Status in Russia	Main Features	Access Specifics
Telegram	Partially restricted (calls blocked, text messages accessible)	Messaging, groups, channels, file sharing	Usable for text messages, calls blocked, risk of total blocking eventually
WhatsApp	Partially restricted (calls blocked, text messages accessible)	Messaging, calls, media sharing	Same as Telegram, limited to text message use
Viber	Variable access, less restricted than WhatsApp/Telegram	Messaging, calls, groups	May face restrictions depending on political context
Max (VK)	National application mandatory on all new devices	Messaging, calls, payments, public services	Data collection, possible surveillance, state-recommended
Russian social networks (VK, Odnoklassniki)	Accessible	Messaging, social networks	Heavily monitored, integration with Max
Others (Signal, Skype, etc.)	Often inaccessible without VPN	Secure messaging, calls	Blocked or very limited, require workarounds

Frequently Used Applications for Communicating Abroad

• Telegram (for text messages)
• WhatsApp (for text messages)
• Viber (depending on the period)
• Signal and Skype (often require VPN use)
• Email (Gmail, Outlook: sometimes subject to blocks or slowdowns)

Local Regulations and Censorship Filters

Russian authorities impose partial or total restrictions on foreign applications, mainly on audio/video calls, officially to combat crime and terrorism.

The government promotes the use of the national application Max, which is pre-installed on all new electronic devices sold in the country.

There is significant administrative pressure to force administrations, schools, and businesses to migrate their communications to Max.

Foreign platforms can be completely blocked at any time, and access to foreign services is becoming increasingly complex.

National applications collect personal, financial, and location data, accessible by security services.

Specifics for Ensuring Communication Security

Recommended use of VPN to access restricted applications (Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal, etc.).

Some VPNs offer obfuscation options to mask encrypted traffic.

Applications like Telegram sometimes have internal mechanisms to bypass censorship, but these solutions are constantly evolving and can be countered by authorities.

Non-tech-savvy users (elderly, children) often have difficulty configuring and maintaining these workaround tools.

Tips for Protecting Privacy When Using These Tools

• Choose an application with end-to-end encryption (e.g., Signal, Telegram in Secret Chat mode).
• Activate privacy settings:
  • Disable visibility of phone number or online status.
  • Restrict access to groups and unknown contacts.
  • Limit automatic sharing of contacts and media.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information via national or suspicious applications.
• Regularly update applications and use official versions to avoid security vulnerabilities.
• Avoid using national applications for confidential conversations or sensitive professional activities.
• Be aware of data sharing rules: read privacy policies and avoid applications that transfer data to unidentified third parties.
• If necessary, prioritize exchanges via international applications accessible only through VPN, choosing servers located in countries with privacy-protecting legislation.

Summary of Essential Precautions

• Always check privacy settings.
• Use a reliable and updated VPN.
• Prefer text exchanges, as calls may be blocked or monitored.
• Stay informed about the evolution of local restrictions and adapt your tools accordingly.

⚠️ Using workaround tools like VPNs is not without risk in Russia: there is increased surveillance, and their use can be detected. Act with caution and discretion.

Staying Connected: Tips for Maintaining Bonds with Loved Ones

Staying connected with loved ones in Russia requires adapting habits to technological developments and local restrictions.

Here are practical and modern tips for maintaining bonds, taking into account the country’s specific context:

Instant Messaging Applications:

• Text messages via WhatsApp and Telegram remain widely used for daily exchanges, although voice and video calls are now blocked on these platforms.
• Many Russians are turning to Max, the national messenger, which allows sending texts, images, voice messages, and making calls, even if some advanced features are not yet available.

Organizing Video Conferences:

For video and audio calls, prefer tools like Zoom or Skype, which remain accessible and reliable for organizing family gatherings, discussions among friends, or celebrating events remotely.

Using Social Networks:

Platforms like VK (VKontakte) allow sharing photos, news, and creating groups to keep in touch with multiple people at once.

Regularly posting updates, commenting on loved ones’ posts, and organizing themed groups strengthen the sense of belonging.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Bonds:

• Schedule regular phone calls via the traditional network, especially for people uncomfortable with applications or in case of additional internet restrictions.
• Create virtual appointments to celebrate important moments (birthdays, national holidays, personal achievements). Use Zoom or Skype to organize group calls at fixed times.
• Share common experiences remotely:
  • Watch a movie together by synchronizing playback on a streaming platform.
  • Play online games (multiplayer platforms, virtual board games) to share fun moments.
  • Organize creative workshops, quizzes, or remote cooking sessions.

Table of Recommended Tools and Their Uses:

Tool	Type of Usage	Specifics in Russia
WhatsApp, Telegram	Text messages	Voice/video calls blocked, text OK
Max (VK messenger)	Messages, calls, images	Features under development
Zoom, Skype	Video conferences, video calls	Widely accessible
VKontakte (VK)	Social networks, groups	Very popular locally
Traditional phone	Voice calls	Reliable solution in case of internet blockage

Key Takeaways:

Maintaining bonds depends as much on the frequency of exchanges as on their quality.

Using multiple communication channels and establishing remote rituals helps maintain closeness, even in a context of restrictions.