Cellular communication in karelia operators. Overview of mobile operators in karelia

20 years ago, in June 1993, the Committee for External Relations of the St. Petersburg Mayor's Office registered the North-West GSM company, on the basis of which MegaFon was later created. Around the same time, the first cell phone with a built-in clock was released, the South Korean giant Samsung was just starting to produce mobile phones, and a color display, not to mention a camera built into the phone, could only be dreamed of. Since that time, cellular communications have traveled a huge distance. Hundreds of base stations were built, MMS and mobile TV services were launched, 3G, 4G were added to the GSM standard ...

Taking advantage of the festive occasion, "Capital on Onego" talked about the past, present and future cellular communication with Alexey Artemiev, director of the Karelian Regional Branch of the North-West Branch of OJSC MegaFon.

- Alexey Viktorovich, how did the cellular communication begin in Karelia?

If you do not recall the experiments with the Finnish network of the already closed communication standard NMT-450, then with the creation of OJSC Alfa Telecom back in 1995. This joint venture of Karelian and St. Petersburg communications workers later gave birth to our MegaFon branch. But the first digital base station "North-West GSM" was launched in Petrozavodsk on July 18, 1997. This station, re-equipped with modern equipment, is now located on the roof of the building at 4, Gorky Street. Alfa Telecom was the only dealer connecting then to the North-West GSM network. When connecting, subscribers with them had to have not only a passport, but a permission to use mobile phoneissued by Gossvyaznadzor. The permit indicated the name of the owner, model and number of the device. Inconsistency of the data indicated in the permit, and even more so its absence, could lead to serious problems with the police officers, up to the seizure of the apparatus. Connection to the network cost $ 200, the subscription fee was about $ 30 depending on the package of connected services, and calls to North-Western GSM numbers and around the city cost about 50 centers, incoming calls were also paid.

In 2002, OJSC MegaFon was established on the basis of ZAO North-West GSM. In the same year, the Karelian regional branch of the North-West branch of OJSC MegaFon was opened in Petrozavodsk. Since that time, we have launched more than 500 base stations.

- How can MegaFon surprise a subscriber today?

Now the priorities of our client have somewhat shifted from voice communication to the consumption of Internet services, the growth of which can be described as “explosive”. Previously, it was important for the subscriber that communication was in the city, at the dacha and on the road. Now added to this is the need for high-speed Internet access wherever the subscriber is located. How could we even 5 years ago imagine that, sitting somewhere in a remote corner of the republic, using one mobile phone, you can watch any movie online, pay apartment bills, make a video call to relatives? Capabilities mobile communication today are practically limitless, and they cannot but surprise. We, in turn, do our best to make the range of our services available throughout the republic. Our coverage area still needs no introduction. For example, according to research by Roskomnadzor, MegaFon's coverage of the Kola highway is 87.1% of the total length, while competitors are lagging behind us by 14% -26%.

- The quality of communication is, of course, an important factor, but the service itself and its cost are no less important. What principles does MegaFon adhere to in its tariff policy?

We make our products as simple and understandable as possible for the client. As for the pricing factors, we always offer the best communication rates based on the competitive market situation.

- What can you say about the claims about the high cost of MegaFon's services?

Unfortunately, this is a very common stereotype. If someone from my acquaintances tells me that he has an “expensive” MegaFon, this only means to me that we could not choose the right tariff for the subscriber or did not tell about all the possibilities of our tariff options. In many ways, we offer extremely affordable options and rates. This includes free communication within the MegaFon network, and inexpensive packages of minutes and SMS. One of our greatest strengths is our affordable mobile internet. Can you imagine the owner of a modern smartphone who does not use Internet applications, instant messengers, social networks? Me not. That is why we have developed a whole line of tariffs according to the needs of each owner of a smartphone, tablet or router.

In general, the criterion of popularity is determined simply - subscribers, one might say, vote with SIM cards. In Karelia and most regions of the North-West, MegaFon is the leader in terms of the number of subscribers. This means that our subscribers choose the right price / quality ratio. For example, for just 200 rubles per month, a subscriber using the "All Inclusive S" tariff gets not only the possibility of unlimited communication within the network, but also a package of minutes to the numbers of other operators, SMS, MMS and mobile internet... Agree that it is inexpensive. And this is not an isolated case. For example, we have drastically reduced the prices for European roaming, which, among other things, is automatically enabled. The cost of services in roaming has dropped by almost 9 times.

- But what about the notorious "stars" in the tariffs of all operators? The lack of transparency in write-offs often causes people's dissatisfaction.

Yes, unfortunately, the attitude of users to services mobile operators sometimes negative, and sometimes deservedly so. However, we are constantly developing the direction of absolutely clear services and tariffs, full transparency of our communication with customers. We strive to be the best service company for our clients, including in roaming. In "MegaFon" there is no WAP-tariffication for a long time, at which the price of 1 megabyte of Internet traffic is tens or even hundreds of times more expensive than with an internet access point.

Moreover, today, when there are thousands of victims of mobile fraud, we give the client the opportunity to find out, using a USSD request, how much a message to a particular short number costs.

- If we talk about business subscribers, what has changed in the operator's work with corporate clients?

Previously, the minimum group of corporate clients included at least 5 numbers on one account, today there can be only 2. In addition, we have taken one more step towards our subscribers: now corporate client can connect to us in any salon of our own retail (MegaFon-Retail). To do this, it is enough to have only a passport with you. We can say that today almost any large enterprise in Karelia has our SIM cards and a personal account. Large state structures also use our services.

We also have projects that, in addition to commercial, also have a social focus. For example, we provide a place and communication channels for a video surveillance system for forest fires, Internet services for 36 district schools, where there is no Internet connection in principle ...

- What tasks in general are facing the branch today?

We cannot exist in isolation from the infrastructure - electricity, communication channels, buildings on which we place our equipment. In view of this, one of our main tasks, in addition to the happiness of the client, is mutually beneficial cooperation with the owners of the infrastructure, because otherwise the subscriber suffers. Owner cell phone today he is used to the fact that he has a connection almost everywhere and always, so he reacts very sharply to the fact that problems may arise with it.

- What difficulties do you have to face?

One of the difficulties is, oddly enough, in the phenomenon of the progress of mobile phones, which are becoming smarter and smarter. Often this happens to the detriment of the radio part, and we get a situation in which an old Nokia can call where a modern smartphone cannot catch the network.

- What do you think is the future of cellular communications in Karelia?

For an increase in the quality of services and an increase in the coverage of mobile Internet. Despite the fact that not all the possibilities of our 3G network are currently used, in 2014 we expect the appearance of 4G in Karelia. It allows data transmission at speeds exceeding 100 Mbps.

- What do you think about the law on the preservation of the mobile phone number when switching to another operator?

We are totally in favor. In any case, the client will win: the mobile communications market is one of the most competitive in the country. Services are provided in Karelia 4 cellular operators! For us, this law is both a great responsibility and an opportunity. But, as I said, experience shows that the client votes for the quality with a SIM card.

Comments

Misha Petrov

2019-01-07 11:19:43

On MTS I have unlimited Internet, 500 minutes and SMS for 450 rubles. Does the mega have that? By the way, I distribute the Internet to a laptop and tablet for free, though I need to change ttl to 65 so as not to fire

2013-07-09 11:25:42

Pekka, no blah blah! in Tele2 for 200 rubles. per month you can get unlimited on-net + 100 minutes to other networks + 100 MB of Internet traffic + 100 SMS + 100 MMS? And at Mega's - please! (All inclusive S) is there 3G in TeleTu and 6 rubles / min in roaming in Europe? Mega has. Learn materiel

Operator Iota made its way to the most secluded corners of Russia, forming a giant cellular network. He also works in the Republic of Karelia - in one of the most beautiful places in our country. Deployed here base stationsproviding broadcasting in all formats from 2G to 4G. Iota tariffs in Karelia are quite low, as is customary in regions with weak economic development... In our review, we will look at them in more detail and provide details.

Features of the coverage area

The Republic of Karelia covers an area of \u200b\u200bover 172 thousand square meters. m, and about 630 thousand people live here. A limited number of settlements are located on its territory - these are mostly small villages. The capital of the republic is the city of Petrozavodsk with a population of about 280 thousand people. It is here that the coverage of fourth-generation networks with high-speed Internet access is organized.

Third-generation networks show more decent coverage, working in the surrounding settlements - Kondopoga, Pryazha, Medvezhyegorsk, Kostomuksha, Muezersky and some others. Zone 2G is slightly better developed, it covers the territories between settlements. Most of Karelia is not covered by cellular communication at all - mountainous and wooded areas with a minimum population density are located here.

You can clarify the quality of coverage using the map published on our resource - here you can also get acquainted with the coverage of other networks.

Shops and offices

In small Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia, three official offices of Iota work at once. Let's represent their addresses in the form of a list:

  • TC "Lotos Plaza" - Prospect Lesnoy, 47, lit. AND;
  • TC "Maxi" - Lenin Ave., 14 (legal entities are serviced);
  • TC "Tetris" - st. Marshal Meretskov, 11.

Also on the territory of Petrozavodsk and Karelia there are partner shops and salons - modems, routers and SIM-cards are sold here.

Internet tariffs for a computer

The tariff described in our review works only where there are 4G networks - modems and routers are not accepted by networks of other generations. But subscribers get really unlimited Internet without serious restrictions.The main limitation is the load - if it is detected, the access speed may decrease.

The following equipment is used to access the Internet:

  • Modems - for individual access to the network;
  • Wi-Fi modems are the easiest way to deploy a wireless hotspot;
  • Routers and mobile routers - for deploying more efficient networks;
  • Internet centers are multifunctional network devices.

The tariff for all devices is the same, which is already a big plus.

The cost wireless internet in Karelia is at a low level - the maximum amount of the subscription fee at the current tariff is 850 rubles / month. And it depends on the speed selected by the subscriber. There are about 15 speed thresholds for the choice of users. We will consider the cost of just a few of them:

  • 416 kbps for 300 rubles / month - this speed is enough for Skype conversations and surfing with traffic compression;
  • 1 Mbps for 450 rubles / month - a more reasonable speed for browsing the content of Internet sites;
  • 3.5 Mbps for 650 rubles / month - this speed is enough for watching videos in average quality, listening to music, surfing and other purposes;
  • 10 Mbps - 800 rubles / month - a decent speed channel, which will be enough for any needs;
  • Maximum speed - 850 rubles / month.

At some points, the set speed may not be available. H it doesn't matter - you can change the selected speed mode at any time in personal account Yota. In accordance with this, the subscription fee will be recalculated.

For subscribers from Karelia, tariffication is provided for a shorter period. For example, you can activate the Internet for 4 hours for only 50 rubles. Daily access to the network will cost 150 rubles. Traffic and speed are not limited here.

Iota offers an interesting opportunity to save on monthly fees by paying it a year in advance. The operator has provided the following speed modes with annual payment:

  • 5 Mbps - good speed for 5400 rubles / year;
  • 10 Mbps - high-speed channel for 6900 rubles / year;
  • The maximum speed is 9,000 rubles / year.

Pay one year in advance and get a significant discount on your subscription fee.

If you have any doubts regarding the performance of Iota in one or another point of Karelia, use the Test Drive program. Within its framework, you will be able to purchase a modem on special conditions - with a refund in case of negative results. You also get three days of free unlimited access. To do this, you need to contact the nearest Iota service office in Karelia.

Tariff plan for smartphone

Yota tariffs in Petrozavodsk and throughout Karelia are the same. Another thing is that modems and routers will only work where there are 4G networks. But phones, smartphones and tablets will work in networks of any generation. Let's see what the operator offers to those who need voice calls, SMS and Internet access.

As well as throughout Russia, in Karelia there is only one tariff - very flexible and profitable. Its advantage is the split choice of minutes and traffic. No other operator has such a division yet. Calls are presented in packages of 200, 300, 600, 1500 and 5000 minutes within Russia. The traffic volume is 5, 10, 15 or 30 GB. Combinations can be any - the subscription fee depends on it. Here are some examples:

  • 200 minutes and 5 GB - set with minimum monthly fee 330 rubles / 30 days;
  • 300 minutes and 10 GB - a more solid set with a monthly fee of 400 rubles / 30 days;
  • 1500 minutes and 5 GB - a set for talkative subscribers for 880 rubles / 30 days;
  • 5000 minutes and 30 GB - for the most active subscribers, the subscription fee is 2000 rubles / 30 days.

A proprietary mobile application is used to select combinations.

The tariff for smartphones from Yota does not imply SMS and MMS packages - they are paid separately, at 1.9 rubles / piece. If SMS is your primary communication tool, there is a way to save money. To do this, you need to use the "Unlimited SMS" option. For just 50 rubles / 30 days you will receive an unlimited message package (SMS and MMS) - this is a unique offer among Russian operators.

Even if the package of minutes runs out, Yota subscribers will still be able to stay in touch. The cost of voice calls at the tariff will be 1.9 rubles / min - both in Karelia and throughout Russia. An additional package of 100 minutes for only 150 rubles will help to reduce prices.The number of add-on packages is not limited in any way.

Calls to other countries

Using the tariff from Yota for smartphones and phones, you will be able to make voice calls around the world affordable prices... Since there is no single table of rates, check them on the operator's website - indicate the name of the country and get the cost of calls and SMS in this direction

Communication in roaming

Going abroad, be sure to take with you an Iota SIM card with a tariff for smartphones and phones. With it you will receive:

  • Half an hour of incoming calls for 39 rubles per day;
  • Convenient traffic control option - to prevent unnecessary Internet costs;
  • Always working messengers (they work even if there is not enough money to pay for the Internet);
  • Balanced prices on most popular destinations.

To clarify the prices on the Iota website, there is a calculator.

With Yota's SIM card in your smartphone, you can move around Karelia and almost all of Russia without roaming, communicating in your own way home rate... You will have regular rates and free incoming calls. The cost of services will increase only if you leave Karelia for more than 30 days, but the cost of incoming calls will remain zero.

Internet cost

Individuals cannot count on unlimited internet in their smartphones - it was disabled back in January 2017. But Iota will be able to offer subscribers from Karelia solid Internet traffic packages.This traffic is spent for any purpose, including the "distribution" of the Internet via cable or Wi-Fi. Also provided unlimited traffic for social networks and messengers - services are connected and paid separately:

  • Social networks - 20 rubles / piece;
  • Messengers - 10 rubles / piece.

If the main traffic runs out, you can buy it - an additional package of 5 GB costs only 100 rubles.

Tariff for tablets

For tablet owners in Karelia there is only one tariff from Iota (as well as throughout the country). Here you cannot select the speed or the traffic package - there are no limits. But the access period is chosen - a day, a month or a year. If you need the Internet only for a day, the payment will be 50 rubles. Access to the network for a whole month will cost 400 rubles, and for a year - 3000 rubles. The tariff works throughout the territory of Karelia and Russia.

Have you decided to fulfill your dream and are finally going to Karelia? But the trouble is - there are several issues on which advice from local residents is needed. We will be happy to help you with this 🙂

To make your holiday smooth and easy, we give you some really useful tips, after reading which, you can prepare as much as possible for a trip to Karelia.

TIME.

Karelia is located in the European part of Russia and has the same time zone as Moscow. From the beginning of June to the 20th of July we have a period of white nights - romance and almost round-the-clock sun. It happens that you wake up in the middle of the night and think it's time to get up or, even worse, you overslept. But no, it's 3 in the morning and you're happily sleeping on 🙂 The longest day of the year was announced on June 22nd.
At the same time, despite all the romance of the White Nights, there is a downside. A kind of Wonderland 🙂 In winter everything is absolutely the opposite, as they say - polar night. And the shortest day in winter, what do you think, is December 22.

WEATHER.

Karelia is a republic in the North of the country, and this is always worth remembering. home distinctive feature our area is just a crazy and abrupt change in weather conditions. In just one hour, snow can fall out, everyone around is blown away by the winds and suddenly it will suddenly become like in "Miami" when you want to walk without a T-shirt. This must always be understood and prepared. Take with you things for all occasions: warm, hot, cold and rainy - everything should have its own clothes. For example: umbrellas, windbreakers, warm socks, sneakers, sneakers, etc.

YOU RIDE IN YOUR CAR.

The main rule is always watch the signs carefully. We understand that the sign "Rough road" in Russia is even funny, but in Karelia it is a truth of life, you should pay attention to it and drive carefully.
However, the St. Petersburg-Murmansk federal highway is very good quality, but there are new dangers: traffic police and cameras. Agree that coming home and finding a bunch of fines in a box is not the best experience after a vacation.
As for gasoline, thank God there are enough gas stations. Better to refuel with Lukoil and TNK, there are enough of them. Prices are slightly higher than the Russian average.

MONEY.

Nowadays, cards and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs abound and there are even in the villages. Naturally, as in any province - Sberbank is everywhere, with other banks it is more complicated.

CARE.

There is a huge number of pharmacies in Petrozavodsk, there are round-the-clock. There are hospitals and medical centers, centers paid services, maternity hospital (you can safely give birth in Karelia 🙂).

COMMUNICATION.

There are 4 cellular operators in Karelia: MTS, Beeline, Megafon and TELE2. In cities all operators work well, in most of Karelia only Megafon and MTS work well, in the wilderness only Megafon works well, and there are also a lot of places where absolutely nothing works 🙂

INSECTS.

Mosquitoes, gadflies and midges are our everything! 🙂 But the solution is very simple - you just need to buy something like the Moskitoll. June-early July - the main activity of mosquitoes, then midges climb and gadflies appear. In fact, you get used to all this disgrace on the third day and even mosquitoes are no longer needed ...

Ticks - yes. They also decide - remedies for ticks and a vaccination can be done (in advance of course), I recommend it to everyone.

There are snakes, but not as many as they are glorified. Watching your step and being careful is all that is required of you.