Surely many have had to deal with confusing tariffs for mobile communications, find themselves suddenly connected to an incomprehensible and completely unprofitable tariff, a paid subscription... Sometimes money is debited from the account, it seems, only for the fact that the phone is on the table.
If this is familiar to you, you don’t have to worry about this anymore. After all, today Tinkoff Mobile operates in the mobile communication services market. Its special feature is the ability to literally design your own tariff, based only on your preferences and wishes.
Story
If you dive a little into history, Tinkoff Mobile began its work in the capital and St. Petersburg back in December 2017. And literally six months later the company announced its intention to move to the regions. Moreover, the very first of them were located at a sufficient distance from the center - the Volgograd region, Krasnodar region, Adygea and Mari El. It was here that it became possible not only to purchase a Tinkoff Mobile SIM card at a physical point of sale, but also to order it through a courier. Which is, without a doubt, very convenient.
Another six months later, Tinkoff Mobile expanded its work to another fifty regions of the country.
As analysts point out, the company managed to achieve unprecedented success in its market segment in just one year. Not every cellular operator is able to expand so quickly, much less acquire a solid customer base.
Coverage map
The coverage map of Tinkoff Mobile fully corresponds to the coverage map of the cellular network of the base operator Tele2 in the corresponding region.
In 2021, Tinkoff Mobile operated only in Moscow, the Moscow region, St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. In 2018, the mobile operator expanded its service area to 43 regions of Russia. In 2019, the number of regions where Tinkoff Mobile is present is already 60.
Tinkoff Mobile operates in the following regions:
- Altai region
- Arhangelsk region
- Belgorod region
- Bryansk region
- Vladimir region
- Volgograd region
- Vologda Region
- Voronezh region
- Irkutsk region
- Kaliningrad region
- Kaluga region
- Kamchatka Krai
- Kemerovo region
- Kirov region
- Kostroma region
- Krasnodar region
- Krasnoyarsk region
- Kurgan region
- Leningrad region
- Lipetsk region
- Magadan Region
- Moscow
- Moscow region
- Murmansk region
- Novgorod region
- Novosibirsk region
- Omsk region
- Orenburg region
- Oryol Region
- Penza region
- Perm region
- Pskov region republic
- Adygea republic
- Karelia Republic
- Komi
- Mari El Republic
- The Republic of Mordovia
- Republic of Tatarstan
- Tyva Republic
- The Republic of Khakassia
- Samara Region
- Saint Petersburg
- Saratov region
- Sakhalin region
- Smolensk region
- Tambov Region
- Tver region
- Tomsk region
- Tula region
- Tyumen region
- Udmurt republic
- Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug
- Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
Go to the official website Link verified for authenticity by our specialists
Operator overview
Tinkoff Mobile belongs to the so-called virtual mobile operators that cooperate with other holdings. In this case, the virtual operator operates elements of the mobile communications infrastructure of another operator. However, the services are offered in this case under a different brand.
World practice knows many examples of such fruitful cooperation. Tinkoff Mobile was no exception. It uses Tele 2 as its base operator. This company already has a long and successful experience in the domestic market.
Tinkoff Mobile operates the Tele 2 cellular network, its switching system, etc. World practice shows that such a partnership benefits both the virtual and the base operator. The first one gets rid of the huge expenses that cannot be avoided when opening a new network and maintaining it in working order. The second one receives substantial investment and can work to improve and expand the quality of its services.
Tinkoff Mobile can offer its customers a lot of additional services and innovations that some other virtual operators do not have.
In particular, the main feature of Tinkoff Mobile is the ability to collect a tariff at your own discretion. There are no tariffs as such. By selecting options for himself, the client can flexibly manage his tariff plan and not overpay for what he does not need.
For example, you can take zero minutes of calls in a package, but get unlimited Internet and connect to unlimited communication on social networks. If you are not particularly interested in the mobile Internet, you can always take more minutes and SMS, and use the minimum tariff for the Internet - for the required number of gigabytes, or even at zero.
It is important that Tinkoff Mobile does not practice hidden tariffs. The operator never activates services that the client did not request. Moreover, nothing is done in secret from the client.
Tinkoff Mobile allows you to resolve any controversial issues remotely. Technical support operators will be able to answer any questions the user may have. The principle of remoteness is also supported by the fact that you can change the parameters of your tariff plan at any time from a special mobile application. To do this, you do not need to visit the office in person. Moreover, the updated tariff comes into effect immediately - there is no need to wait until the reporting period of the previous tariff plan ends.
Anyone who has connected a SIM card from Tinkoff Mobile can receive a virtual bank card from Tinkoff Bank as a gift. For example, it can be used in stores through Apple Pay and Android Pay. When purchasing in online stores, all kinds of cashbacks are awarded. If there is more than 1,000 rubles on the card, the bank charges interest on the remaining funds.
As you know, the problem of many modern operators is the limitation of Internet speed when the limit of gigabytes received in the package is exhausted. In the case of Tinkoff Mobile, this is not the case. There is no speed limit. Moreover, you can even connect yourself to unlimited Internet or use it for a specific purpose - for example, to communicate on social networks.
If you don’t want to change your number when switching to Tinkoff Mobile, no problem. The user can save his number for free. Moreover, an additional 1,000 rubles are credited to each such client.
For everyone else, the company doubles the very first top-up.
Advantages
Why should you abandon the services of a proven old service provider in favor of a recently launched operator? The transition to using services from Tinkoff will have the following advantages:
- As the experience of popular operators shows, the most favorable conditions for tariffs and solutions are provided precisely at the early stages of development of the supplier organization.
- Promotions and special conditions are constantly in effect; at the time of writing this article, May 2021), for example, there was a promotion under which a subscriber who transferred his number received 1000 rubles for communication services.
- High quality of communication, your constant availability for calls and access to the network is ensured by the availability of network coverage throughout the Russian Federation. Moreover, the signal level is maintained consistently high.
- There is no concept of a “home region”. The same communication conditions apply when traveling throughout Russia. Individual conditions for using communications and paying for them apply only when traveling to the Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol.
- Communication is provided on a fixed payment basis once a month. You don’t have to put up with small write-offs imposed by “default” subscriptions, advertising mailings, etc.
- Many conditions for providing unlimited mobile Internet - for music/messengers/social networks, for all or any combination of these types.
- Favorable conditions for roaming - limited, unlimited Internet, prepaid package of minutes or per-minute billing. Without dividing into zones, popular and unpopular countries - in any country in the world you will pay as much as indicated by your tariff conditions.
- You can apply for a new SIM card or transfer an old number to Tinkoff on the official website online, and the form to fill out is small and simple, so registering it will not take much time.
- A representative of the operator can come to you to conclude an agreement for the provision of services.
- The SIM card will be delivered to your home immediately after the application is processed and the contract is concluded - you do not need to visit the mobile office at all.
- You can set up almost all tariffs yourself, indicating the most suitable ratio of prepaid minutes, messages and gigabytes of Internet for you.
- There is a functional, easy-to-use mobile application that allows you to resolve any issues regarding communication without visiting the operator’s office.
- When you purchase a Tinkoff SIM card, you are automatically issued a virtual bank card, which you can link to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Thanks to its presence, you can pay for your purchases with the card online or using a smartphone if it has an NFC function.
- Convenient work with roaming - it automatically turns on and off when crossing the border. In addition, the operator automatically blocks the background update of your smartphone as soon as you cross the border, so there will be no unexpected charges for using the Internet while roaming.
- Using any mobile Internet applications from the Tinkoff developer does not consume your Internet traffic.
- An unused SIM card with a zero balance and completely used up communication volumes remains active and is not blocked for six months.
Rice. 9 Benefits
The profitability of the tariff offered by the operator depends on how much the volume of services of one type or another meets your needs. Due to the ability to fine-tune any solution and package from Tinkoff “for yourself”, choosing the most favorable conditions for use is quite easy.
Current tariffs for 2021
As already noted, a feature of this operator is the absence of strictly fixed tariff lines. Each user can, depending on his needs, create his own tariff package. This can be done through a mobile application, and on the official website, in a specially conveniently organized constructor for this purpose.
In this case, the amount to be paid is clearly displayed on the screen immediately.
As an example, a package that includes:
- Unlimited communication in instant messengers;
- Unlimited visits to social networks;
- 16 gigabytes of mobile Internet;
- 200 minutes of calls will cost only 462 rubles per month.
It is worth recognizing that this is a rather small amount given such favorable conditions.
If a user has a Tinkoff bank card and spends more than 10,000 rubles on it within a month, he will receive 600 minutes completely free of charge. And this is - for a moment - a whole 10 hours of communication, three hours a day!
The payment for the selected package is debited immediately. Packages are valid for 30 days. They are extended for the thirtieth day, at 22.00. Of course, you can rearrange your package at any time.
You can connect a lot of unlimited options that do not consume the main Internet traffic package. This could be movies, music, social networks or instant messengers.
Since tariffs are subject to change, to obtain the most reliable first-hand information, it is recommended to regularly check the official Tinkoff Mobile website.
Sources
- Official website of Tinkoff Mobile
- vc.ru: Tinkoff Bank launched a mobile operator with a tariff designer
- Reviews about Tinkoff Mobile
Have you already used the services of Tinkoff Mobile or are you planning to? You can share your opinion about the operator and leave feedback on its offer in the comments.
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Ellina Baitemirova Content Manager #VZO, is responsible for filling the site with content and updating the information provided. Graduated from KNRTU with a degree in
. Elina has been working in our project since 2021. She actively studies the financial products market and monitors all important changes.
(22 ratings, average: 4.9 out of 5)
What are packages of minutes
The so-called packages of minutes have already been mentioned several times above. What does this mean?
Generally speaking, this is the number of minutes available for calls for which there is no additional charge. That is, these minutes are paid in advance. It is also very beneficial that the minutes in the package are not wasted if the call is made within the Tinkoff Mobile network.
You can expand your package of minutes at any time.
If the package is over, then calls are charged - 3.9 rubles for each minute of the call. However, you can still call numbers from Tinkoff Mobile completely free of charge.
Of course, all logins to Tinkoff Mobile are completely free.
conclusions
Tinkoff Mobile has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Inexpensive packages of minutes and mobile Internet.
- Flexible tariff plan setup.
- Free calls within the network.
- Availability of a package with unlimited calls.
- The ability to distribute unlimited services, for example, YouTube.
- Inability to accidentally subscribe to the services of content providers, that is, mobile subscriptions.
Flaws:
- Expensive unlimited mobile Internet and very expensive Internet distribution.
- Work in Moscow and the region only in 3G/4G networks.
- A small number of subscribers for free communication within the network.
- Not the most favorable conditions for many regions of Russia.
In general, the Tinkoff Mobile operator has interesting conditions. The only upsetting thing is the expensive unlimited internet, which is in vogue these days. Also, in many regions of Russia, the Big Four operators have more favorable offers than Tinkoff Mobile.
But for those who like to talk, I would recommend paying attention to the possibility of connecting to an unlimited package of minutes for 999 rubles per month. Also, subscribers who know exactly what they want can assemble a fairly profitable tariff plan using the designer.
Mobile app
It is unlikely that a mobile company can be considered confidently standing on its own feet if it does not have its own mobile application. Of course, the operator Tinkoff Mobile has it.
The application is downloaded completely free of charge for both Apple devices and Android devices.
What you can conveniently do in this application:
- monitor your expenses using several numbers at once and top up your account;
- choose a beautiful number or connect another one - virtual;
- set up call and traffic conditions in roaming so as not to worry about communication costs when traveling, especially international ones;
- ask for help via chat, even if there is no Internet connection.
The program is very easy to learn and has a visually pleasing design.
Top up your balance, set up auto payment and promised payment
It is possible to top up your card account with cash at payment terminals that have the function of accepting Tinkoff partner caches, at Tinkoff Bank ATMs (A and Svyaznoy), as well as TelePay, CyberPlat, and Elexnet terminals.
It is valid to replenish a card from another bank on the Tinkoff Bank web resource, in ATM, in the Tinkoff Mobile remote service. You can check your balance by calling the Tinkoff Mobile hotline or using the app. You can receive additional advice by telephone or by filling out the feedback form.
The procedure for replenishing your account can be significantly simplified if you enable automatic payment, for which you should:
- Log in to your Tinkoff Mobile provider.
- Go to settings and find the “Autopayment” option.
- Enter the details of a credit or payment card that has the required amount of money.
- Set the auto payment amount.
This amount will be withdrawn from the card account and transferred to the balance in Tinkoff Mobile when it decreases to 50 rubles. The situation is relevant if there are not enough funds left to pay the tariff for the next month.
If there is no money to renew the service package, access to the Internet is terminated. For SMS and outgoing calls to subscribers of other operators, the payment will be 2.9 rubles. for every minute and message sent.
Roaming in Tinkoff mobile
It is not without reason that many people call the Tinkoff Mobile operator ideal for travel:
- in Russia there is no roaming as such;
- in European countries and Turkey, the user receives a gigabyte of free Internet;
- communication in instant messengers and the use of Google maps are offered without any restrictions for only 49 rubles per day;
- As for international roaming, it is as simple and transparent as possible for understanding.
For example, while in any EU country, a call will cost only 11.9 rubles per minute. It doesn’t matter where it is sent – to Russia, to local landline and mobile numbers. You will not need to constantly monitor the number type and other parameters. 11.9 rubles – for everything.
Since many Russians actively use instant messengers when traveling, Tinkoff Mobile suggests using them – both for exchanging text messages and making calls. If you use instant messengers such as WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger or iMessage, as well as TamTam or IMO.IM, communication abroad will cost only 49 rubles per day.
Reviews and my opinion
If you read reviews about Tinkoff Mobile on various services and forums, you can come across a variety of ratings - from flattering to negative. As disadvantages, most note poor coverage and lack of stable Internet. But these complaints, as I already wrote, are more likely to Tele2 than to TM.
Some people don't like the functionality of the mobile application.
Others note the advantages of the operator and explain why they switched, for example, from MTS to Tinkoff Mobile.
Or from Beeline.
By the way, here is another scan from Banki.ru about the rating of the Tinkoff mobile operator compared to others.
I think everything is eloquent here. Although 1st place with an average rating of 2.22 is sad. What can we say about the quality of other operators?
What do you think of the new operator from Tinkoff?
- Excellent 46%, 6 votes
6 votes 46%6 votes - 46% of all votes
- Normal 38%, 5 votes
5 votes 38%
5 votes - 38% of all votes
- So-so 15%, 2 votes
2 votes 15%
2 votes - 15% of all votes
Total votes: 13
11.02.2019
In any case, I also tested TM and liked it. Tinkoff Mobile's tariffs are more favorable than mine. For example, I previously paid 250 rubles for unlimited Internet and 200 minutes of talk time. But I don’t need that much Internet, since I have Wi-Fi both at home and at work. And for mobile Internet I use a second SIM card. In short, 200 minutes for 99 rubles is very good. So take my review into account when analyzing whether you need such a cellular connection. If you need it, here is the link where you can apply for a Tinkoff Mobile SIM card: www.tinkoff.ru/sl/AkIVbuxgpJ6. By clicking on it, you will receive double the minutes and the selected number of gigabytes for the first month of service. Small savings, however. Good luck, and may the money be with you!
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Internet conditions
Today it is simply impossible to imagine an active life without mobile Internet. Tinkoff Mobile offers Internet packages for access to any website. The package is valid for 30 days. If you have installed Tinkoff mobile applications, as well as from Tinkoff Bank and Investments, then the traffic is not taken into account at all.
What about speed? It is more than acceptable here and is equal to 150 megabits per second. Of course, everything will depend on the actual climatic, topographical and other conditions, but in general the picture emerges quite attractive. There will definitely not be any problems in Russian cities.
Tinkoff Mobile does not provide access to file hosting services or peer-to-peer services.
Internet connection conditions work for all of Russia, with the exception of Sevastopol and Crimea. You can find out more about the tariffs in force in these regions either on the company’s official website or in the mobile application.
If you have an unlimited Internet package, you can distribute it to other devices - no more than 500 megabytes per month. To remove this restriction, you will have to additionally activate a service called Modem Mode.
Here is a list of resources that do not use the main packet traffic if you connect them on an unlimited basis:
- Messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, TamTam, imo.im, WeChat;
- Social networks: VKontakte, Facebook, Odnoklassniki, Instagram, IGTV, Snapchat, Twitter, Tinder;
- Music: Apple Music, Yandex.Music, Yandex.Radio, SoundCloud, BOOM, Deezer Music, Shazam, Spotify;
- Video: YouTube, Twitch, iTunes Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube Kids, Rutube, Vimeo, TikTok;
- Remote: Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Trello.
The list, as you can see, looks quite impressive, so everyone can certainly find an unlimited option for themselves.
Features and Pros
But let’s return to the review of the features of the Tinkoff Mobile operator. As I already said, this is a virtual operator. But this does not prevent him from providing very real services. I will note the main features:
- You can customize the tariff as you wish. For example, if you don’t need SMS, turn it off. In general, this is a trend among operators; Sberbank offered a mobile operator on similar terms.
- The SIM card is not sold in stores or salons. It is delivered by courier to the specified address - to the client’s home or office.
- There is complete unlimited use within the network. There is also no roaming within the network - it was canceled even earlier, without waiting for instructions from the FAS.
- You can connect instant messengers, social networks, music and video services separately from the main package. And yes, they will not consume the total traffic. In short, you can surf YouTube even with a zero balance.
- Preferential tariff conditions abroad (more on this later).
- You can connect a virtual number (second). It is just as functional as the first one. Sometimes this can be very useful.
- You can switch to Tinkoff Mobile while saving your number. Or you can choose another, “beautiful number”.
And one moment. All management of the tariff, balance and additional options is carried out through a special Tinkoff Mobile application. For some this is a plus, for others it is a minus, but for developers it is a feature
