Cellular operators 4 pda. Cellular operators PRO v1.71 (Android)

Grandiose research by Roman Zagrebin.

Virtual operators (MVNO) are communication service providers that do not have their own infrastructure. In order to function, they rent equipment from full-fledged operators. Any virtual operator has a core network on the basis of which it operates. For example, Tinkoff Mobile operates on the basis of Tele2, and Yota operates on the basis of Megafon.

Virtual operators with the same core network will not differ from each other in either the quality of reception or the speed of the Internet. This, by the way, is the first myth. There are constantly statements from users that Yota catches better than Megafon, or that Tinkoff works better than SberMobile. This is all complete nonsense.

The second misconception is that large operators rent equipment at such prices that virtual operators cannot offer attractive rates. Supposedly the Big Four don't need additional competition and won't dig their own grave.

Already after a detailed study of the tariff plans, it becomes clear that this is also complete nonsense. By leasing equipment, operators receive an additional source of income, without any need to invest in sales. The increase in equipment load for large operators is completely insignificant, so they do not lose anything.

Virtual operators achieve competitive rates for three reasons:

1. Significantly lower marketing and sales costs. A virtual operator does not need to create a huge network of points and invest hundreds of millions in advertising on TV. Their audience is more advanced users, and they are attracted primarily by juicy tariffs.

2. Almost all large operators are created primarily not to make money, but to attract additional attention and build loyalty to the company’s brand and main product. Sberbank and Tinkoff-Mobile have bank cards, loans and deposits, Yota has Internet modems, and Rostelecom has home Internet services.

There are exceptions, but this scheme allows you to keep the company afloat, even if it is not extremely profitable. Unfortunately, this often ends in the closure of the project (like VKontakte, Euroset, Svyaznoy and Karusel).

3. All virtual operators have a fairly small subscriber base (up to 3 million). In order to somehow grow, they are simply forced to offer favorable conditions. Otherwise, you simply won’t be able to grow. But this is only a plus for the consumer - we constantly receive interesting offers.

Have you decided? It's time to choose the juiciest offers. We analyzed the tariffs of the main operators in Russia and selected the most worthy ones.

General rule: when choosing a tariff, never look at the checkboxes with unlimited traffic for instant messengers, social networks, etc. You won't be able to save money on this. Social networks and instant messengers consume an absolutely ridiculous amount of traffic, so purchasing a basic Internet package will always be more profitable. Moreover, almost all operators have removed Telegram from the list of included messengers. The only daw that can really pay off is YouTube, but it is usually the most expensive. So you better score it.

Internet

Suddenly, the best offer here comes from the little-promoted Rostelecom (in Moscow it operates under the Online brand). Their operator offers completely unlimited Internet in a package with 500 minutes of calls and 50 SMS for only 350 ₽ per month. Other operators have nothing even close to this.

Of course, there are also disadvantages. Rostelecom has the weakest application; there are no loyalty programs or bonuses when connecting (more on them later). But if calls are not needed, there is simply no better virtual operator.

An additional disadvantage is that the operator operates on Tele2 and supports 3G/4G in almost all major cities. Unfortunately, operator networks often cannot cope with the load, which is why the maximum data transfer speeds turn out to be a complete bottom.

Characteristic

Do you want to know what region people are calling you from? This program has an extensive and constantly updated database of telephone numbers of cellular operators in all CIS countries. When you receive an incoming call, you will know which operator is calling you from.

In addition, the program shows the region from which the call is being made. You can also find out the region and mobile operator of any subscriber in your address book.

In the program settings you can confirm calls to other regions and/or numbers of other operators.

This way you can cut down on unnecessary expenses.

In addition, the program analyzes who called you and where you called, which will help you determine expenses and choose the optimal tariff plan.

Calls

If you spend most of your day talking on the phone, the number of gigabytes is not so important to you. In this situation, the best option is offered by German Gref. 1500 minutes on SberMobile will cost only 600 rubles. At the same time, you will also receive 3 gigabytes of traffic, unlimited instant messengers and streaming services. At Yota, a comparable option will cost almost twice as much.

Additional advantages include a 25% discount with “Thank you” bonuses and a 1,000 ruble bonus upon connection if you transfer your number. In short, a great option for a working tube. Thanks to German Oskarovich.

Combo

If you need both calls and internet, Tinkoff Mobile has the most balanced package. There is no need to choose maximum packages - we take so that there is enough. 16 gigabytes of traffic plus 1200 minutes - it turns out 660 rubles. A more than worthy option if you want to sit on two chairs at once without tearing anything.

The 16 GB package comes with unlimited video, which is also a big plus - usually most of the mobile traffic is spent on videos.

Tinkoff Mobile also has an excellent application, technical support and the most transparent conditions. One of the disadvantages is the intrusiveness of the bank's salespeople, who, after issuing a SIM card, will start calling you with special zeal. Fortunately, they can always be blacklisted.

Safety

Another important group of criteria is “Security”. Applications were checked for malware, redundancy of requested permissions, security of data transmission and storage, and availability of legal documentation were assessed.

Based on the testing results, it was determined that none of the tested applications contained malware, and the transfer of personal and payment data to each of the programs was encrypted. Experts, using specialized software (Wireshark), captured all traffic sent by the application, and then analyzed it for the presence of both unencrypted content and unencrypted personal data. In mobile operator applications, all data is transmitted via encrypted channels.

In general, all applications have high security scores (at least 4.05). However, the Tinkoff Mobile application does not fully explain to the user why some of the requested permissions are needed, for which this application received 4.5 points (out of 5) according to the “Requesting only necessary permissions” criterion. The “My Danycom” application received slightly less security than the others (there is no link to legal documentation).

Based on a combination of five criteria, all applications received a high score. The maximum score (5 out of 5) was received by 83% of the studied applications, the rest had a number of minor comments and received the following scores: on iOS - Tinkoff Mobile - 4.9 (out of 5) and My Danycom - 4.05 (out of 5 ); on Android – “My Danycom” – 4.05 (out of 5).

However, it should be remembered that no application is completely invulnerable, so you must follow the rules of digital security: do not use public Wi-Fi or install a VPN client on your smartphone, use two-factor authentication and complex passwords where possible.

The most secure applications: “My MTS”, “My Beeline”, “MegaFon Personal Account”, “My Tele2”, “Mobile operator Yota”, “SberMobile”, “My Rostelecom” (5.0 - for iOS and Android) , Tinkoff Mobile (5.0 – for Android).

Performance and Reliability

In addition to functionality, ease of use and security, Roskachestvo experts assessed the performance and reliability of mobile applications.

Determined:

• stability and correct operation,
• correct display of interface elements,
• memory footprint,
• launch speed,
• resistance to external interruptions.

The “My Tele2” application received the maximum performance score on iOS (4.82 out of 5); on Android, the first place is shared by the “My Tele2” and “Mobile Operator for Android” (Yota) applications. All tested applications work correctly and stably.

Application information

Experts also paid attention to the information characteristics of the applications, such as the informativeness of the description, the absence of reviews in the description, screenshots and videos, compliance with the declared functionality, as well as other criteria.

A potential user should be able to familiarize themselves with the functionality provided and see what the application looks like in screenshots and videos without having to install it. Also, the description should contain information only about the implemented functionality, a link to the privacy policy, and the application itself should be updated regularly. It is worth noting that the final score of an application is also affected by its user rating. “My Beeline” has the highest score for the “Application information” criterion (4.93 out of 5) on both iOS and Android.

What should a traveler take?

Here Olezhenka Tinkov won again. His mobile operator has really good conditions when traveling abroad, which are often not inferior to specialized virtual operators. Tinkoff Mobile subscribers can often do without purchasing a local SIM card, even when traveling abroad for a long time.

Firstly, the Internet. A package of 100 megabytes will cost a reasonable 149 rubles per day (this is in Europe) and 299 rubles in other countries. If you are not an idiot and do not start watching the next episode of “VDudya” while roaming, 100 megabytes is enough for a browser, instant messengers, and email. But even for Jura lovers there is a 1 GB package - they ask for a thousand for it. For short trips, this is still more profitable than getting a new SIM card.

Messengers can be paid for separately. For just 49 rubles per day, WhatsApp, Viber, iMessage and, of course, the most popular TamTam will be available without restrictions. Telegram is in flight again, which is why the meaning of the package is lost. But if you are 50 years old and like Viber most, it will be just right.

Calls are 12 rubles per minute in Europe and 20 rubles in other countries. It’s not cheap, but the price is always the same, plus there is a brilliant package of 30 incoming minutes for 60 rubles. It's only 2 rubles per minute of call, you just need someone to call you back.

In short, travel maniacs don’t even have to think about choosing a virtual operator.

The main thing is to remember to read the terms and conditions in detail. Tariffs change frequently and at some point additional pitfalls may appear that were not discussed in this text. But in general, now is just the perfect time to take SIM cards from virtual operators; the conditions are really great.

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Measuring signal strength using a 3G/4G Internet kit

If the modem (E3372h) was purchased from our company:

You can open the Antenna tab and point the antenna at the BS with centimeter precision.

Or point your computer mouse at the signal level in the upper right corner and you will see a window with the signal level in decibels. When you rotate the antenna, the data will change, look at the RSSI (for 3G) / RSRP (for 4G) parameter, the smaller it is, the better. (That is, the rule works: -70 dBm is better than -90dBm).

After starting the program, you will visually see the signal level and the inscription (3G or 4G or UMTS, HSDPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+ or LTE), turn the antenna in different directions and look at the visual increase in the signal scale.

At the same time, let's look at:

If we are amplifying 3G, then by rotating the antenna, we try to ensure that the El/co parameter is the smallest (i.e. -3 is better than 10) - the Internet speed depends on this.

If we are amplifying 4G, then by rotating the antenna, we try to ensure that the SINR parameter is the largest (i.e. 10 is better than -2) - the Internet speed depends on this.

In which direction the signal level is better, the antenna should be directed there.

Option to view parameters in the upper right corner (hovering the cursor over the signal level) with 4G amplification:

Option to view parameters in the upper right corner (hovering the cursor over the signal level) when amplifying 3G:

Antenna tab when setting up an antenna in 4G:

Antenna tab when setting up an antenna in 3G:

Our offer

You must place an order only from trusted suppliers who can guarantee the highest quality and reliability of the product. Cooperation with us will allow you to remain confident in the following advantages:

• Departure to the site in the city of Yekaterinburg is free, for the city it is calculated +20 rubles per km;
• Warranty for basic equipment and components;
• Service maintenance;
• Competent feedback;
• Specialists have the necessary education

Our company provides a service to measure the signal level at your site. Our specialist measures the signal levels of the required ranges and operators.

Meldana Company

is one of the best companies for strengthening cellular communications. Thus, when ordering services from us, you are entering into a deal with masters of their craft and reliable specialists in the cellular signal market.

Our clients:

• Tinkoff bank
• СDEK
• IKEA
• Gazprom
• Pepsico
• RUSAGRO
• TELE 2
• Sberbank
• And etc.

The company approaches its business with great responsibility and receives only positive feedback. When ordering projects from us, you receive a quality guarantee and can rest assured that the order deadlines will be met. Meldana company will provide only the best products at attractive prices for you.

Conclusion

Summarizing. Strengthening cellular communications makes your life much more comfortable, because with its help you can stay in touch with your loved ones 24/7, and our technicians will arrive upon the first call from you. With the help of wireless video surveillance, we make the world a better and more modern place.

Who are virtual operators

Virtual operators

are service providers that rent equipment from companies that occupy leading positions. Since such operators do not spend money on installation and maintenance of equipment, they can offer tariffs at reduced prices.

The first virtual operators appeared on the Russian market in 1999, but this segment began to actively grow only in 2021. Now the number of subscribers is only increasing every year.

According to TMN-consulting, about 7 million clients use the services of virtual operators in Russia.

How easy is it to start an MVNO?

Now so many companies are launching virtual operators that it seems very easy. So, to open their virtual operator, companies go through a number of stages:

1. Preparation. This is the initial stage in which a business plan is prepared. It evaluates the financial capabilities and profitability of the launched project. If there is no client base, then you should consider a strategy for attracting it.
2. Conclusion of an agreement. At this stage, you need to decide on the reference operator. You will need to sign an agreement that will stipulate: prices for traffic, obligations of the two parties.
3. Billing and equipment. You will need to decide on the billing usage model and equipment. After choosing, sign a lease agreement for the equipment.
4. Integration. You will need to integrate with the infrastructure of the selected operator. The process may take 2-3 months. Costs for carrying out are in the range from 2 to 5 million rubles.
5. Testing. After all work has been carried out, it is necessary to test the quality of communication. Any errors that occur must be corrected.
6. Launch. When working correctly, the operator offers services to citizens.

The entire procedure for launching a virtual operator can take from 5 to 8 months. As for the starting capital, the minimum amount for opening is about 50 million rubles.

Measuring cellular signal strength on an iPhone

Typically, users need a simple indicator of several bars located in the status bar to determine the level of the received cellular signal.

But there is no need to talk about the information content of such a tool. If you want to find out the real signal strength, then the hidden iPhone Field Test system application will come to the rescue.

To determine these, you must enter the code *3001#12345#* in dialing mode and press the call button.

The Field Test app has a lot of options, and not all of them are intuitive. This is logical - the menu is not intended for ordinary users, but for service engineers.

Start by selecting LTE from the Main Menu. To measure the signal level in 3G networks, you also need to select the LTE section.

Then you need to go to the Serving Cell Mass section.

It will contain measurements of communication parameters with the network cell to which you are currently connected. Going to this menu will bring up a data page. You may notice that the parameter values ​​change every few seconds, updating. We need the line rsrp0. We are talking about Reference Signal Received Power, the power of received pilot signals from the nearest tower.

But the smartphone may also be connected to a secondary, additional station. Then the signal strength will be displayed in the rsrp1 section.

The value of this parameter must be negative, in the range from -40 to -140. The closer it is to the upper limit (-40), the stronger the reception signal. A value close to -140 indicates a weak signal. Values ​​from -40 to -80 indicate reliable reception and no connection problems. A reading below -120 should raise alarm. The user may experience connection interruptions and low data transfer speeds.

Standard and frequency	Frequency (Band)	Network icon on phone	Accepted notations (other names)	Compliance with ARFCN, UARFCN or EARFСN bands
GSM 900 (2G)	900 MHz (Band	E, G, no icon	GSM900, EGSM900, Band 8	0.. 124
GSM 1800 (2G)	1800 MHz (Band 3)	E, G, no icon	GSM1800, DCS, DCS1800, Band 3, Band 4	512.. 885
UMTS 900 (3G)	900 MHz (Band	3G,E	UMTS900, Band 8, Band 1 (900P)	2937.. 2712
UMTS 2100 (3G)	2100 MHz (Band 1)	3G, H, H+	Band 1, UMTS2100, WCDMA2100	10562.. 10838
LTE-800 (4G)	800 MHz (Band 20)	4G, LTE	800MHz, Band 20	6150.. 6449
LTE 1800 (4G)	1800 MHz (Band 3)	4G, LTE	LTE1800, DCS, DCS1800, Band 3, Band 4	1200.. 1949
LTE 2600 FDD (4G)	2600 MHz (Band 7)	4G, LTE	LTE2600, Band 7	2750.. 3449
LTE 2600 TDD (4G)	2600 MHz (Band 38)	4G, LTE	Band 38	37750.. 38249

Virtual operators by type

Large banks and companies are launching their own telecom operators because certain types of businesses need them. As a result, they were divided by industry.

The main types of virtual operators are:

• Light MVNO is the simplest solution, without serious obligations, most of the work remains with the core operator. Such operators earn money from dealer commissions. This is an excellent option for those who want to isolate themselves from technical issues.
• Pro MVNO - such a network provides great opportunities and is suitable for those who have their own billing and other technical capabilities. In this case, an agreement is signed, and the new operator decides which payment system to choose (in advance or after the provision of services), how to provide customer support, and what tariffs to offer.
• Full MVNO is a model for corporate clients (owners of mobile payment systems or telecom operators). In this case, the operator receives a full range of possibilities, including assigning numbers.

Main consumer niches

The target clients of virtual operators are people to whom the cellular company offers a more niche solution than what the basic operator can provide. Especially for the most demanding subscribers, Next Mobile has developed a line of VIP tariffs, including a large number of minutes, Internet traffic packages and international roaming, and the cost of services starts from 745 rubles .

However, business today expresses an even greater interest in high-quality and reliable communications. SIM cards, which automatically select the best possible network, are installed in many technical devices, such as ATMs, cash registers, car alarms, children's watches, etc.

In addition, the Next Mobile technology stack allows the company to create new virtual operators on top of its network for various businesses in the shortest possible time, which has already been appreciated by the owners of many enterprises. The company is experiencing strong growth in all areas.

Virtual operators in Russia

There are a large number of virtual operators represented on the Russian cellular communications market. We suggest looking at the list of such operators whose services can be used by everyone.

List of operators:

These operators do not yet have a large number of customers, and they do not aim to capture market share. However, they are successfully making money

due to the attracted client base.

How to switch to a virtual operator and what you need to consider

Becoming a subscriber to a virtual operator is simple - for the client the process is no different from connecting to a regular operator. To do this you will need:

• Contact the selected operator;
• Apply for a SIM card.
• Sign the agreement and receive the card.

It is important to consider that you can make the transition while maintaining the number

(using MNP technology). To do this, you will need to write an application, which will be provided by an employee of the communication salon. This can cost up to 100 rubles.

When changing operators, as always, you need to take into account some subtleties:

1. When choosing a little-known company, you should carefully study the information about it in order to avoid fraud.
2. Virtual operators may have lower rates because they assess the needs of “niche” clients.
3. When paying for services or goods via phone, all data can go to the selected operator.
   Little-known companies or fly-by-night companies can collect data or sell. It is also possible that the data obtained will be used for the purpose of fraud.

What is a cell phone number?

Based on the telephone numbering plan, the codes of Russian cellular operators look like a three-digit number that starts with nine. Next comes the number itself, which belongs to the subscriber, consisting of seven digits: 9 xx xxx-xx-xx. Or the international format that is more familiar to us: +7 9хх xxx-xx-xx. Russian mobile operator codes are non-geographic telephone codes or, in other words, def-codes . Cellular companies are allocated one or more telephone codes within which they can distribute numbers to their subscribers.

Not so long ago, you could be sure that if you received a call from a number that begins, for example, with +7 92..., then such a number belongs to Megafon. However, the system, which made it possible to switch from one operator to another while maintaining the number, made it difficult to determine whether a number belonged to a specific operator. Now the table of mobile operator codes may no longer be relevant, because the number, for example, with the Megafon code, may already belong to another operator. However, it must be said that a small percentage of subscribers have so far used the service of switching between operators, so in most cases it is still possible to determine the operator and region by number.

PRO - ADVANCED INFORMATION

PRO tab includes all the basic Lite features.

PRO - contains all the information useful to the user that we were able to obtain from the base station for each frequency channel. Below are all the points in more detail:

Codes of popular mobile operators by regions of Russia

Bonus programs, digital TV and music

Last year, the Russian big three mobile operators made an attempt to “repair the market” - they abandoned price competition in favor of selling more services to subscribers for more money, recalls TMT Consulting CEO Konstantin Ankilov.

Previously on the topic: Telephone communication goes to instant messengers

Megafon is moving away from the concept of “communications operator” and is focusing on increasing the time that a subscriber spends on the network through various digital services, says operator representative Yulia Dorokhina. MTS plans to introduce IT technologies into all products, services and its operational activities, declaring digitalization one of the key points of its own strategy. Tele2 offered users bonus programs (for example, in the Gett taxi service) and various digital services in partnership with others, when there will only be a digital interface between us and the subscriber,” Deputy General Director for product, marketing and work with federal clients Tele2 Andrey Patoka. Additional services are also of interest to the subscribers themselves: according to a February EY study, subscribers outside Moscow are even more interested in banking services (39.5% of respondents), home and car security systems (38 and 36%) and geolocation of family members (47%).

For several years now, operators’ revenues from voice communication services have been taken away by OTT services (in which the transmission of content occurs “on top” of the networks of telecom operators, this is how instant messengers and online cinemas work), notes Ankilov. This circumstance prompted operators to create their own products of this kind: MTS Connect, Megafon messenger Multifon, renamed eMotion in 2021, VimpelCom platform Veon. The latter, according to the company itself, received 1.7 million registrations in Russia in 2021 and, in addition to messages, gives clients preferential access to partner offers (taxi services, food delivery, etc.). But it has still not been possible to take the palm from WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram, according to MediaScope data.

Previously on the topic: Russians did not talk less on the phone

All operators have their own digital TV offerings, which they develop independently or in partnership with online cinemas (such as Amediateka, Megogo, etc.). They also all offer special services for music lovers. The operators do not disclose how much money these services bring in, but a Megafon representative says that the total number of Megafon.TV subscribers increased 3 times over the year to 3 million at the end of 2021 (the operator does not disclose the number of active and paying subscribers) , and income – 1.5 times.

Another service to keep clients online should be remote consultations with doctors. Megafon was the first to provide such a service in November last year - the Megafon.Health service. MTS is currently testing similar projects, and Beeline is looking for a partner to launch, their representatives said. Rostelecom has been developing a system of remote medical consultations since 2021, but its representative could not answer the question of when it is planned to launch.

VEGATEL - cell towers

The first thing you will see on the screen is a welcome menu with a description of the functions necessary for operation.

Next, you need to grant permissions to the application, allowing access (to your phone and location). They are necessary for proper functioning.

Location - will be needed to determine the geolocation of the user and nearby towers.

Phone - required for contacting us and some technical features.

Don't worry, we do not collect personal data from users, everything is strictly confidential.

Financial services and mobile payments

All operators also have financial services. For example, they offer subscribers bank cards with cashback: Tele2 offers subscribers to store money directly on their mobile phone account - the yield is 5% per annum. VimpelCom and MTS launched microcredit in 2017. Of course, all operators offer to use a phone number to pay for services.

Operators also make money from insurance - together with partners they offer services from equipment insurance (all operators have it) to real estate (VimpelCom and Tele2) and car insurance (MTS). Revenue from VimpelCom insurance for the third quarter of 2021 increased 5 times year-on-year, says operator representative Anna Aibasheva, and a Megafon representative points out that financial services in salons have more than doubled in volume over the past year.

The financial services market is of interest to all federal players. But the possibilities of mobile payments using an operator account are limited by competition with traditional and mobile banking, says Ankilov. According to TMT Consulting estimates, the penetration of financial services into the subscriber base of mobile operators in 2021 was only 5%. According to AC&M Consulting estimates, the total turnover of the mobile financial services market in 2021 amounted to 87 billion rubles. (an increase of 25% by 2015), and the number of users increased by 15% to 13.7 million people.

Peculiarities

• Find out the operator by number - the program will automatically indicate the region for incoming and outgoing calls.
• Confirmation of calls to other regions - set the need for confirmation when calling to other regions to avoid unnecessary expenses.

• Analyze your tariff plan. Where does your money go? Using the application, you can determine which tariff plan suits you best.
• Visual statistics - graphs, diagrams.

• Tables of your outgoing and incoming calls, as well as other information.
• Current database for all CIS countries: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other countries.

Here you can download the “Cellular Operators” and “Cellular Operators PRO” applications for Android for free.

Cellular operators

For each call, the operator and region of the interlocutor are shown, taking into account the transferred numbers. Use a call blocker to automatically reject annoying calls from blacklisted numbers (collectors, scammers, etc.). The tariff selection service will help you choose a profitable tariff plan. Available countries: Abkhazia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, South Ossetia.

Service capabilities Cellular operators

• Determining the region and operator of the interlocutor, taking into account ported numbers (for Russia)
• Set up call confirmation for calls to foreign regions or to foreign operators. You will avoid accidental expenses
• You can find out the operator and region by address book, call log and SMS messages
• Check your address book and call log to find out which of your friends has changed operators. New numbers that have changed operators are added to the database of transferred numbers automatically
• Where does your money go? Which tariff is better? You will find out which tariff is beneficial for you. And you will talk more and spend less
• Visual graphs, diagrams with statistics of your calls and other useful statistics will show the style of your communication and help you understand how your funds are spent

– an application that displays the cellular operator for incoming and outgoing calls. It is also possible to search for a number in the database in the application itself. All this helps to quickly navigate when the user receives a call from an unfamiliar number. The program interface is very simple and intuitive. It does not take up much space in the memory of your mobile device and therefore it is worth installing it to be aware of who is calling.

The main window of the application offers four ways to search for the desired number in the database. The first is to search by number; by entering the desired number, the application will quickly determine which operator it belongs to. Second on the list is a search in the address book; in it, from the list of your contacts, it is quite easy to find out the necessary information. Next comes call log searches and the MNP database.

Let's take a closer look at the first method. When you enter the search by number, you first need to naturally enter it in the appropriate field. Separately, I would like to note that the application determines not only the cellular operator, but also the administrative region to which it is attached. For example, in some area, knowing this information, the user will understand how much a call will cost him. Such information significantly saves money on your mobile phone bill. After all, without knowing, you can make a very expensive call, where up to hundreds of rubles can be withdrawn from your account in one minute. When working with the MNP database, you can manually scan all the numbers contained in the note book or call log. Having done this, the application will show which operators they belong to. This is quite convenient in certain situations, for example, if there are quite a lot of numbers accumulated. Adding from through a search by number will take a huge amount of time. In the application settings you can change the window location. It sets the location of the notification window when called. It is worth debugging this setting, because the correct display of information is very important; it should not cover other information by number. Other adjustments are quite simple to move this window vertically or horizontally.

Conclusion: – a very useful application that shows information about calling numbers. Using this information, the user saves money on his mobile phone account.

Internet of Things

One of the main areas for growth of mobile operators should be the Internet of Things (IoT) market. It includes monitoring of devices in the home, security systems, urban infrastructure management, housing and communal services and industrial enterprises - devices and sensors connect to the Internet, and special systems analyze processes unnecessary for the client and, if necessary, manage them. The base of mobile subscribers in Russia will no longer grow, but the number of SIM cards for connecting automatic devices (so-called m2m) will double in four years, Ankilov predicts. In 2021, the number of such devices in Russia amounted to 15 million, he notes.

Cellular operators have learned to make money again

But a possible price war could hit their wallets again

According to AC&M Consulting, the leader in the first half of 2021 in terms of the number of connected devices is MTS (it accounted for 42% of m2m cards), in 2nd place is Megafon (36%), in 3rd place is “ VimpelCom (18%). MTS is developing its IoT solutions with the help of the system integrator NVision Group, purchased in 2015, and at the end of the first half of the year the operator served 4.5 million m2m devices, says an MTS representative. Last December, MTS opened a platform for industrial IoT and provided customers with it, which companies can use in manufacturing and agriculture, logistics, commercial real estate and other areas. VimpelCom provides IoT solutions based on its own Unified Monitoring platform, which integrates sensors, trackers, smartphones and tablets into a single ecosystem, a representative of the operator said. In the future, he plans to use it to create solutions for housing and communal services, energy and smart city systems.

A Megafon representative insists that the operator’s share of the smart device market is 37%. The operator’s solutions are used for automated monitoring of housing and communal services resources in the Tatarstan Innopolis, the operator is implementing smart city lighting in Bryansk, and road signs in Chelyabinsk, its representative Yulia Dorokhina lists. In addition, starting from 2021, Megafon offers its customers to buy the Life Control smart home system - it is a set of sensors for electricity, smoke, opening and closing doors. Rostelecom also has a home video surveillance system.

For operators, the Internet of Things is an opportunity to earn money both from data transmission and from the devices themselves and their maintenance, notes Ankilov. For example, Rostelecom earned RUB 7.2 billion in 2021 from various smart city projects, from urban transport systems to e-education systems. (68% more than a year earlier).

How global giants develop new businesses

System integration and virtual operators for large businesses

Business proposals are another area of ​​income diversification. In 2021, MTS earned 5.6 billion rubles from system integration, as follows from its report. System integration services are provided by MTS subsidiary NVision, says a representative of the operator. For example, in October last year NVision won a contract worth 3.98 billion rubles. for the supply of Microsoft products to Sberbank, follows from government procurement materials.

Rostelecom also relies on cloud services, data storage and processing for corporate clients. The state operator proved its interest in rubles by consolidating a large data operator in April 2021 and launched it in May 2021 to help clients optimize infrastructure costs, says a representative of the operator (the revenue of the line is not disclosed). VimpelCom has two solutions for business clients based on its data centers - data storage and virtual computing power.

Previously on the topic: Tinkoff Bank virtual operator will combine mobile and bank accounts

Operators also have more specific services for business: for example, in November last year, Megafon launched the first LegalTech solution for its business clients - the “Procurement Analysis in an Hour” service, which automatically checks procurement documentation. Operators are also trying to make money by providing cloud-based data fiscalization services in accordance with the law on online cash registers - from July 1, 2021, it obliges entrepreneurs to transmit information to the Federal Tax Service online. For this purpose, MTS bought for 620 million rubles. manufacturer of online cash registers LiteBox, Megafon provides a comprehensive solution for online cash registers in partnership with its shareholders - so far only a service for fiscalization of data, but also plans to offer customers online cash registers, notes Aibasheva.

Tele2 considers the development of virtual operators (MVNOs) to be another way to expand the boundaries of the telecom market - they allow the creation of new telecom operators based on existing infrastructure. Thus, MVNO opens new services to non-television company clients, says Tele2 representative Olga Galushina. Currently, more than 15 virtual operators operate on the Tele2 network, including MVNO projects of Rostelecom, Sberbank, Tinkoff Bank, etc. In terms of the number of subscribers, virtual operators occupy 2.6% of the market, but by 2022 this figure will increase to 14 −15%, she cites analysts’ forecasts. Tele2 believes that MVNO is a business area with good economics and revenue with prospects for the next few years, and they plan to launch another 10 new MVNOs in 2021.

Unique “swallow” – Next Mobile

The first virtual operator (MVNO) capable of operating in all major Russian networks and automatically switching the subscriber’s device between base stations, choosing the network with the best signal quality, was Next Mobile, part of the S8 Capital holding of businessman Armen Meruzhanovich Sarkisyan.

The company was founded in 2014 and began building its first virtual network on the Beeline infrastructure, after which it implemented the same scenario with Tele2 and MTS, then integrated with Megafon, and then combined all networks into one and implemented the service of providing international roaming to subscribers .

Also included in the assets of Armen Sargsyan’s S8 Capital holding, Technological has developed unique software, as a result of which the end user is always guaranteed to have a connection to the network with the most reliable reception area , and the switching itself occurs seamlessly and takes no more than a few seconds.

When will there be a return?

However, despite all the efforts of operators, their main income still comes from mobile communications, and purchases and digital services are made “for the future,” analysts say. For example, when buying an e-sports club, MTS was targeting a youth audience, but this will not bring significant money yet, Sberbank CIB analysts stated. Operators, except MTS, do not disclose the share of new services in revenue. A VimpelCom representative assures that this figure is growing. A Megafon representative notes that due to additional services, subscribers spend more time on the network, and this increases revenue from data transfer. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2021, the digital segment brought 47% of Rostelecom’s revenue, but the operator also includes revenue from providing Internet access.

What data does the mobile operator collect and what does it do with it?

Personal data

When purchasing a SIM card, you fill out a form with your first name, last name, date of birth and other personal data and agree that the operator and its partners can use this information. Yes, the contract states that the operator does not have the right to transfer information without the client’s consent, but they simply turn a blind eye to this. Already on the first day after purchasing a SIM card, the user may receive spam, including messages specifically addressed to the client by name and patronymic. The problem is that service agreements do not clearly stipulate the use of personal information. In addition, employees of cellular operators may also be behind the leak of information, which is confirmed by the regular updating of illegal databases of numbers, as well as the access of personal data of users to spammers.

Geolocation

Cellular operators track their users - their movements, the most visited places - and build infrastructure based on this. Analyzing information about user movements, operators install not only communication towers, but also telephone sales pavilions, advertising banners and other objects. This information can also be leaked by employees or mobile operators themselves to government services, businessmen, collection agencies and other persons.

Wiretapping

And if earlier for voicing the idea of ​​wiretapping you would have been labeled a conspiracy theorist, then after the adoption of the “Yarovaya package” and other ingenious laws, surveillance of a user is no longer a voluntary, but a forced activity, for which you personally pay out of your own pocket. There are more and more stories on the Internet about how one person talked to another on the phone, for example, about motorcycles, and soon they began to show him contextual advertising with an offer to buy this vehicle. And if this seems like an absurd reason to think about data privacy, then the fact that intelligence services can listen to you, interfering in your personal life on a far-fetched pretext, is already a more powerful argument. In the same way, SMS messages and all Internet traffic passing through the operator’s infrastructure are viewed.

And these are just the main points. By connecting to a cellular connection, you automatically agree that all information about you becomes the property of those who pay money for it. And although mobile operators do their best to hide the fact that they sell information to third parties and refute suspicions that often arise, there are already many posts on the Internet on the topic of data leaks.

Functionality

One of the most important consumer characteristics of any mobile application is functionality. In this study, as in previous ones, the corresponding group of test parameters (8 criteria) received the highest value.

Tariff management

Using the “Tariff Management” criterion, experts assessed the application’s ability to manage the tariff plan, namely the ability to change the tariff plan or customize it. All studied applications on both platforms received the maximum score (5 out of 5), with the exception of the “My Danycom” application (4 out of 5), since the application does not contain links to a detailed description of the conditions of the selected tariff.

Mobile options

According to the “Mobile communication options” criterion, all studied applications received the maximum score (5 out of 5). All applications allow you to connect, configure or disable additional options and services.

Account Information

All studied applications show the balances of funds, minutes, SMS and Internet traffic. All received the maximum score for the Account Information criterion.

Expense statistics

In order to evaluate applications according to the “Expense statistics” criterion, experts checked the availability of a function for displaying statistics of subscriber expenses in different categories (for example, mobile Internet, calls, SMS messages, subscription fees) for a certain period, as well as the availability of the ability to obtain a detailed report. On all platforms evaluated, all applications received the maximum score (5 out of 5), with the exception of the “Mobile Operator Yota” application (0 out of 5) on iOS and the “Mobile Operator for Android” (Yota) application (0 out of 5) on Android. These applications completely lack the ability to track statistics.

Replenishment history

The highest score for the “Recharge history” criterion (5 out of 5) was received by 16 applications out of 18. The applications “Mobile operator Yota” on iOS and “Mobile operator for Android” (Yota) on Android received 0 points (out of 5). These applications completely lack the ability to view replenishment histories.

Based on this criterion, the ability of mobile applications to provide detailed information with the history of account replenishment and the date and amount of replenishment was assessed.

Widget

Using the “Widget” criterion, experts assessed the ability of applications to display the remaining minutes, SMS, gigabytes and balance in the widget. According to the evaluation results, 67% of applications received the maximum score (5 out of 5) on iOS, and 56% on Android. The remaining applications received 0 points each (out of 5): on iOS these are “Mobile operator Yota”, “SberMobile” and “My Danycom”, on Android - “Mobile operator for Android” (Yota), “Tinkoff Mobile”, “SberMobile” and "My Danycom". These applications do not have a widget.

Top up your balance

Within the framework of this criterion, experts assessed the possibility of replenishing the balance using a bank card and payment systems Google Pay / Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.

The applications “My MTS”, “Tinkoff Mobile”, “SberMobile” and “My Rostelecom” received the maximum score (5 out of 5) on iOS, and “My MTS”, “Tinkoff Mobile” and “SberMobile” on Android.

The following applications received 4 points (out of 5) on iOS: “My Beeline”, “MegaFon Personal Account”, “My Tele2” (they do not have a bank card scanning function), as well as the “Mobile operator Yota” application (it has there is no possibility to top up your balance using Apple Pay); on Android - “My Beeline” (there is no bank card scanning function), “My Tele2”, “Mobile operator for Android” (Yota) and “My Rostelecom” (all three applications do not allow you to top up your balance using Google Pay / Samsung Pay / Apple Pay).

My Danycom received the minimum scores (3 out of 5) on iOS (the application allows you to link a bank card, but it does not have a scanning function, and it also does not allow you to top up your balance using Apple Pay), and on Android - MegaFon Personal Account " and "My Danycom" (these two applications do not allow you to top up your balance using Google Pay / Samsung Pay / Apple Pay, and they do not have a bank card scanning function).

Ordering a SIM card

Experts appreciated the ability to place an order for a SIM card within the application. According to the results of the study, the “Mobile operator Yota” and “My Danycom” applications received the minimum score for this criterion on iOS, and “Mobile operator for Android” (Yota) and “My Danycom” on Android. They do not allow you to place an order for a SIM card. The remaining applications received 5 points.

The most functional applications: “My MTS” (5.0 – for iOS and Android), “Tinkoff Mobile” and “My Rostelecom” (5.0 – for iOS). Also among the leaders are “My Beeline” and “My Tele2” (4.89 – iOS and Android), “MegaFon “Personal Account” (4.89 – for iOS) and “My Rostelecom” (4.89 – for Android) .

Ease of use

No less important than functionality is ease of use. It was assessed by experts according to five parameters:

• Simplicity and quality of navigation.
• Demonstration of the device status bar.
• Help in the application.
• Using standard gestures.
• Adaptation for people with disabilities.

When assessing ease of use, experts determined how easy it was to understand when first getting acquainted with the program, how the functionality of the application is implemented, and also calculated the minimum required number of actions (clicks) to complete key program scenarios.

Not a single application received the maximum score in ease and quality of navigation (5 out of 5), but 78% of applications received a high score (4 or more). There were no applications identified that were difficult to use.

The highest score (5 out of 5) for the “Help in the application” criterion was received by 33% of the studied applications - they have a feedback form or the ability to write a letter to the support service, a call center number with the ability to call from the application and instructions for using the service. 44% of the studied applications received three points out of five, since in most cases they did not have either the ability to call a call center or chat. The remaining applications received 4 points (out of 5). The applications “My Beeline” (during the test it was not possible to reach the operator) and “My Tele2” (there is no FAQ section or instructions for operating the application/service) received 4 points each. No applications with missing help were identified.

The leaders in terms of convenience on iOS are SberMobile (4.58 out of 5) and Tinkoff Mobile (4.51 out of 5), on Android - the highest score (4.79 out of 5) was shared by Tinkoff Mobile and SberMobile ”, followed by “My Tele2” - 4.75 points out of 5.