Russian Mobile Operators Accused of Fabricating Fees to Block Number Porting

• January 26, 2026

Russian mobile subscribers are raising concerns after multiple reports emerged about their service providers allegedly creating fictitious charges and debts to obstruct the process of porting phone numbers to other carriers. The issue drew attention following a social media post where a user described being charged 15,000 rubles by the operator T2 for transferring a previously purchased “vanity” mobile number. This incident underscores complications tied to number portability in Russia, where certain number transfers reportedly incur fees.

Details on Number Porting and Associated Fees

The user’s experience highlights a broader situation where some Russian telecom operators impose charges for transferring special or attractive phone numbers, often known as “beautiful” numbers. These numbers, acquired at significant cost, are subject to a paid porting service according to the carriers’ policies. In the cited case, T2 deducted a substantial fee from the customer’s account to authorize the number move.

Beyond the legitimate fees, reports suggest that some operators take additional measures that complicate or delay the porting process. These measures appear to include allegations of fabricated service usage or debt claims. By doing this, providers may effectively prevent or discourage customers from switching carriers, even when they have fulfilled official requirements for number portability.

Discussions on digital platforms indicate that these practices have prompted frustration and dissatisfaction among subscribers, bringing increased scrutiny on how mobile operators manage number portability and billing transparency in the Russian market.

This issue is particularly notable as mobile number portability remains a key feature enabling customer choice and competition between service providers. The prominence of paid transfers for certain number types introduces added complexity for users attempting to switch carriers while retaining their original phone numbers.

Within the global telecommunications landscape, number portability is generally promoted as a consumer-friendly practice to reduce barriers when changing providers. However, variations in implementation and fee structures exist across different countries and service environments. The challenges detailed in Russia reflect ongoing tensions between operators and users concerning control over phone numbers and billing practices.

Observers will be monitoring how Russian telecom operators and regulators respond to these complaints and whether reforms or clarifications emerge regarding fees and the fairness of the number porting process. Further developments may influence user trust and the competitive dynamics within the Russian mobile market.

Russian mobile users report that carriers invent charges and debts to hinder phone number transfers, highlighting issues with paid porting services.