Expanded Mobile Internet Usage in Russia Demonstrates Increased Demand
Rising Demand for Satellite Internet in Russia Amid Mobile Network Instability
The increase in demand for satellite internet in Russia is primarily driven by growing disruptions and unreliability in mobile communication networks, particularly in remote and less accessible regions. This has raised the need for stable, independent internet access that does not depend heavily on terrestrial infrastructure.
In 2025, Russia's satellite internet demand surged notably, with one key Russian provider, Tricolor Internet, reporting a 2.4-fold increase in demand in Q2 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. The company is actively scaling its services and adjusting pricing to meet this rising demand attributed to users moving away from traditional communication channels due to disruptions or unavailability.
Market Growth Context:
The global satellite internet market is expanding rapidly, with a valuation estimated at USD 12.61 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 10.3% through 2032, reaching over USD 25 billion. This growth is fueled by innovations in satellite technology, especially the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations offering lower latency and better bandwidth than traditional satellites, plus government investments and collaborations with telecom operators.
Leading Providers in Russia and Globally:
Tricolor Internet is a leading Russian satellite internet provider experiencing significant growth domestically due to enhanced demand. Internationally, SpaceX’s Starlink dominates the global satellite broadband market. As of 2025, Starlink operates in over 100 countries worldwide, including many regions where terrestrial connectivity is poor or absent. It has more than 6 million active customers globally and is expanding rapidly, having launched in 42 new countries in the last year.
Summary of Causes, Growth, and Providers:
| Aspect | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Causes of Demand Rise | Mobile network disruptions, need for stable internet in remote/underserved areas | | Market Growth | Russian demand ↑ 2.4x in Q2 2025; global market valued at $12.61B in 2025, growing at 10.3% CAGR | | Technology Trends | Shift to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations for better latency & bandwidth | | Leading Providers (Russia) | Tricolor Internet | | Leading Providers (Global) | SpaceX Starlink (6 million+ users, 100+ countries operational) | | Challenges | Geopolitical tensions affecting deployment and service continuation in conflict areas |
As of the end of last year, the segment of satellite broadband for individuals had 127,600 users. The mobile internet disruptions in St. Petersburg and the region were introduced to ensure security due to drone attacks. However, the article does not provide information about the impact of the mobile internet disruptions on businesses or daily life in St. Petersburg and the region.
In the context of Russia's rising demand for satellite internet, the growth and advancements in data-and-cloud-computing technology are critical, particularly in fields such as remote monitoring and telemedicine, offering opportunities for improved efficiency and service delivery in remote or underserved areas. The burgeoning global satellite internet market, valued at USD 12.61 billion in 2025, is a testament to the potential of such technology, with a projected growth of approximately 10.3% through 2032, revolutionizing various sectors like education, healthcare, and business thanks to innovations like Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
