Russia: Law “On Telecommunications”

On 7 July, 2003, the Federal Law “On Telecommunications” (the “Law”) was signed by the President. The Law creates a legal foundation for telecommunications activities in the Russian Federation and other territories under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation, identifies the rights and obligations of those involved in such activities and defines the scope of the authority of state bodies in the telecommunications sector.

In accordance with the Law, all telecommunications operators shall have the right, at their own expense, to install their own lines in telecommunications cable networks, regardless of who owns the latter. The cable networks will require state registration, for which a procedure will be introduced and overseen by the Government.

In addition, the Law requires the formation of the “Unified Telecommunications Network of the Russian Federation” (the “Network”), which will comprise telecommunications networks of different categories operating within the territory of the Russian Federation. Under the Law, the Government is to establish a procedure for the use of the Network’s resources. The Law provides that telecommunications networks of all categories are to operate under centralised monitoring and, in the instances provided for by the legislation of the Russian Federation, also under centralised control.

Finally, the Law includes a chapter entitled “Universal telecommunications services”, in accordance with which each residential settlement must have at least one pay phone, and each settlement with 500 or more inhabitants must have at least one point of collective access to the Internet.

For further information please contact David Griston via email at [email protected].