The cheapest mobile communications - Review of all tariffs

Main line of tariffs

When choosing a tariff plan, it is important to consider which city the calls will be made from most often. For example, if a person buys a prepaid SIM card in St. Petersburg, but plans to use the phone in Moscow, the tariffs in the capital will be higher.

The cost of telephone calls depends on what region a person is in and where he is calling. The tariff for local calls, for example, in Moscow, is standard, but if you need to call from the capital to another city, the cost will increase by the minute. In general, cellular operators have standard tariffs.

To better understand the pricing packages of leading mobile phone companies, below is a comparison table with current packages.

These plans are for smartphones and tablets only. Their use in modems or mobile routers is prohibited. For example, MTS identifies the most commonly used modems and routers by their IMEI number and blocks mobile data usage on such devices.

Top 2. Megaphone "Maximum"

Rating (2021): 4.59

977 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, IRecommend

The best option for Internet distribution Megafon provides completely unlimited Internet without any restrictions. The entire amount of traffic is available for distribution via Wi-Fi or USB at no additional cost.

• Characteristics

  Tariff price: from 790 rub.

• Tariff package: 1000 min., 300 SMS
• Options: go with your number, “Who called”, “Call on hold”, “Megafon Protection”, “Replace dial tone”
• Roaming: up to 79 rub./min.
• Features: no restrictions on distribution via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB

The “Maximum” tariff from Megafon is not the cheapest, but there are more than enough cool features here. In addition to unlimited traffic, you will find a huge package for calls - 1000 minutes and 300 SMS. At the same time, calls to MegaFon do not consume the package. If you have anything left at the end of the month, it will go into the piggy bank. It's free, but you need to connect it yourself. Many were pleased that instant messengers (Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.) will work even with a negative balance. The SIM card does not work in modems and routers, but there are no restrictions for distributing the Internet from a smartphone and no additional payments are required. You can also download as much as you like from torrents, but the speed will drop to 128 Kbps.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Full unlimited
• Volume packages of minutes and SMS
• Messengers are available even with a negative balance
• No restrictions on distribution

• When using torrents, the speed is reduced to 128 Kbps
• Does not work in modems and routers

See also:

• 10 favorable tariffs for calls without internet

MTS operator

MTS is the largest operator, serving about 78 million subscribers, which has licenses in 83 regions of the country. This operator-provider can also use roaming in Crimea.

4G/LTE coverage has reached all 83 regions of MTS presence. 55% is at 1800 MHz, the rest at 800 and 2600 MHz.

Unlike other operators, MTS blocks incoming calls from many VoIP networks, as they are considered illegal.

The “Red Energy” tariff from MTS does not have a subscription fee, it has simple and understandable conditions. “SMART” is one of the most favorable tariffs for those who make a lot of calls and often send SMS. “Super-MTS” is a popular tariff among those who communicate a lot within the network. This is also a tariff without a monthly fee.

Tariff prices are relevant for Moscow and Moscow Region.

Super MTS tariff is the best tariff plan subject to daily payment. This plan has very cheap mobile communications and internet. The main advantage of the tariff is unlimited outgoing calls to other MTS numbers in the same region per day and to most city numbers in Moscow. Calls within the country are made at an additional cost.

Another benefit of this plan is that you are allowed to add the All Super+ option. It is activated automatically and gives up to 3 GB per month with a daily fee of RUB 9.40. If it is not activated, you need to dial *111*259#.

The MTS Smart smartphone series offers monthly combo plans including calls, SMS and data. For many users, this is the cheapest mobile connection in Moscow.

The big advantage of these plans is their availability (including with roaming in Crimea). All Smart tariff plans include unlimited calls to other MTS Russia numbers.

Unlimited number of social networks in tariff plans X and Tariff includes the use of:

And also Snapchat, YouTube, MTS Music, Apple Music, Google Music, App Store, Google Play, MTS Connect and some games.

The monthly fee is deducted from your account balance at the time the plan is activated. The next debit will occur exactly 30 days after the activation date. If the account is insufficient for the next monthly fee, all services (voice and data) will be temporarily suspended. To unlock, you will need to top up your account.

How to set up a tariff for yourself on Megafon?

Almost all cellular operators offer subscribers different service packages, including those that you can assemble yourself. Megafon is no exception. Here is one tariff for a smartphone, which allows the subscriber to configure any list of options. If you need additional services, please read the description of each package carefully and choose the one that suits you.

Among the tariff plans of the Megafon line there is only one package that can be customized for yourself:

Megafon does not offer free additional packages, but gives cashback: for new subscribers - 100% for the 1st month and 20% for subsequent months, for all - 20% from the 1st month. Set up a tariff and use it: everything is very simple and inexpensive.

There is also the opportunity to customize the number of minutes (from 300 to 900) and the Internet package (from 7 to 38 GB). Immediately after connecting to the tariff, your traffic and the payment for it will change.

You can connect to an additional set of services, set up a tariff and get acquainted with the operator’s basic offers on the website, in the Megafon application or in a communication salon.

Operator Beeline

Beeline is a national operator operating in 78 regions and serving about 58 million subscribers. It is popular for calls to CIS countries and offers tariffs at lower prices.

Beeline is present in almost all regions of the country, its 4G coverage is concentrated in populated areas, but is still limited in rural areas. 4G/LTE coverage is available in almost all cities.

Beeline has high-speed 3G internet almost everywhere in the country, including the countryside between Moscow and St. Petersburg and Lake Baikal + Olkhon Island, which is ideal for traveling to remote areas and traveling by train. However, currently the Beeline 2G network has noticeably lost quality. There are some issues with voice call clarity and data speeds. The problems are related to signal strength and coverage. However, this operator has good tariffs for international calls, especially to the CIS countries, where Beeline has its own and partner networks.

Like other operators, Beeline has monthly combined plans with included rates for voice calls, SMS and Internet, valid throughout Russia.

Messengers are unlimited, these include WhatsApp, Viber, ICQ, Skype, Google, Snapchat (including voice and video calls). Movies, Music and Cloud are the operator's special offers for streaming video and audio and 10 GB of cloud space.

When data is exhausted, a very high auto-renewal rate is charged. So we recommend choosing a volume sufficient for you initially.

The carrier offers an option that allows users to share the included data allowance in combo plans with other carrier users in the same region.

Operator MegaFon

MegaFon (mainly owned by the Russian USM Holding and Gazprombank) is one of the three largest Russian mobile operators. Many users consider MegaFon to be the best operator in the country due to its nationwide distribution and high Internet speed.

MegaFon was the first to launch 3G networks (at 2100 and 900 MHz) and 4G / LTE in the country. This is the only network that is available in all regions of the country. 4G/LTE primarily operates on the 2600 MHz frequency (B7) and covers all 83 regions.

Top 8. Megaphone "VIP"

Rating (2021): 4.34

977 reviews taken into account from resources: Otzovik, IRecommend

The most comprehensive range of services With the “VIP” tariff you will receive unlimited Internet, huge packages of minutes and SMS, unlimited access to TV and music. You can distribute traffic on a smartphone or tablet without any restrictions.

• Characteristics

  Tariff price: from 990 rub.

• Tariff package: 1400 min., 300 SMS
• Options: transfer with your number, “Warm welcome”, “Worry-free holiday”, “Unlimited Internet”
• Roaming: up to 79 rub./min.
• Features: gives the subscriber the status of a VIP client

The “VIP” tariff from Megafon gives the subscriber a special status and gives access to a number of privileges. In addition to exclusive discounts and skip-the-line service, you will receive high-speed Internet, with which the average speed when downloading content on a 4G network will be up to 30% higher than on other tariff plans. You will also be able to make free calls within the network, accumulate minutes and days of roaming, use instant messengers with a negative balance and watch MegaFon TV without any restrictions. There is no limit on distribution - share as much as you like. But when downloading torrents, difficulties may arise, since the speed is reduced to 128 Kbps.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Gives the subscriber a special status
• Unlimited Internet with high download speeds
• Free calls to Megafon numbers
• No restrictions on distribution

• High price
• The tariff plan is not intended for modems and routers
• There is a speed limit when downloading torrents

Operator Tele2

Rostelecom's Tele2 is building its fourth national network, active in 60 regions, with approximately 44 million customers.

The cheapest mobile Internet is from Tele2 - 27 rubles/1GB.

Other operators

Certain mobile operators provide preferential packages at affordable prices, operating outside the main Russian mobile networks. Yota, for example, is considered a subsidiary of MegaFon and a major player in the MVNO market.

The operator's main idea is completely unlimited data traffic, but with some restrictions in other areas, for example, blocked P2P networks. Despite the fact that the network is the same as MegaFon, the user may not have access to LTE in some regions where Yota SIM cards are not sold, unlike MegaFon subscribers.

Yota became the first operator in the country to provide fixed prices for all regions. But still, the operator charges different prices depending on where the SIM card is purchased. The operator is targeting residents of large cities who use smartphones, tablets or modems.

The cheapest mobile connection in Russia without the Internet is from Yota.

Anyone can calculate their tariff plan independently on the website using the constructor.

Yota also provides a special plan for use with a modem or router. It has completely unlimited data. This solution is LTE (4G) only, no voice capabilities, internet only.

However, if the SIM card is not used in a smartphone (for example, in a router, modem or tablet), the speed will be reduced to 64 Kbps. If a smartphone is used as an access point for a modem, the speed is limited to 128 Kbps; this limitation can be removed for 2 hours for 90₽ or for 24 hours for 190₽. When using file-sharing networks, the speed is reduced to 32 Kbps. Often the operator does not warn its users about this.

Some regions also have local operators, such as Motiv in Yekaterinburg, Kurgan, Ugra and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Tattelecom in Tartastan or Vainakh Telecom in the Chechen Republic.

Tinkoff Mobile started as one of the first virtual operators in 2021 of Tinkoff Bank. The operator operates in the Tele2 network. SIM cards are sold throughout the country, as the company has opened stores in large shopping centers. From 2021 they also offer eSIM, but are currently only available to Tinkoff card holders.

The operator offers to try mobile services completely free for a week!

Tinkoff Mobile offers attractive offers for new subscribers. On the official website you can calculate an individual tariff plan.

Top 9. Rostelecom "Benefit Technologies"

Rating (2021): 4.31

1554 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, IRecommend

A profitable combo with home Internet, TV and mobile communications Rostelecom decided not to waste time on trifles and offered its subscribers the entire range of services at once. In one go you will connect TV, home Internet, as well as mobile communications with volume traffic and large packages of minutes and SMS.

• Characteristics

  Tariff price: from 720 rub.

• Tariff package: 1200 min., 500 SMS
• Options: transfer with your number, subscriptions to social networks, instant messengers and other services
• Roaming: up to 69 rub./min.
• Features: combo of mobile communications, home Internet and TV

Rostelecom also offers unlimited Internet for phones. The “Benefit Technologies” tariff plan is a real combo, where mobile communications are included in one package with home Internet, online cinema and TV. For a fairly low fee, you will receive a huge number of minutes and SMS, as well as unlimited mobile traffic for smartphones and tablets. You can share all this with 5 additional numbers. In this case, you will only have to pay extra for the 4th and 5th participants: 50 rubles per month. However, even taking this into account, everything would be ideal, if not for one catch - at maximum speed only 100 GB of mobile traffic is provided or 50 GB with a “family” connection; then there is access to the network, but at speeds up to 128 Kbps.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Tariff plan includes unlimited home Internet and TV
• Large mobile service packages
• You can connect up to 5 participants
• Free calls within the network

• Distribution is possible only at speeds up to 128 Kbps.
• Limited amount of traffic at maximum speed

Compare tariffs and choose the most profitable one

The most common and largest mobile operators in Russia are Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), MegaFon, Beeline and Tele2Russia (owned by the state provider Rostelecom). Services and prices are competitive in major cities but vary by region.

It's time to sum up the results and decide on the winner. The cheapest mobile communication tariff from MTS is “Tariffishche”. For the first 6 months, new subscribers will be able to pay 585 rubles for the entire package of services, and later - 600 rubles. Megafon offers this package of services the most expensive - 1000₽ for 30 days.