«Sberbank-Telecom» launched multi-network mode in Moscow in 2025, leveraging the infrastructure of two core operators — T2 Mobile and Megafon. The technology allows subscribers of the virtual operator to automatically switch between partner networks, selecting the one with available signal. In parallel, Sim Telecom is developing its multi-network, which has operated in this mode since 2020 across four networks in most regions.
How multi-network works for virtual operators
Traditionally, a virtual mobile operator uses a single core partner's network in each region. Multi-network changes this model: the SIM card automatically registers on the operator's network where the best signal is available in terms of speed and coverage. When connection is lost with one partner, the device switches to another without user intervention.
«Sberbank-Telecom» has partnered with «T2 Mobile» since its commercial launch in 2018, and with «Megafon» since 2024. Moscow's multi-network testing required resolving coordination issues for operational investigation systems: operating on two operators' networks in one region requires twice as many approvals from the FSB.
Sim Telecom's experience: four years in multi-network mode
«Sim Telecom» (Next Mobile brand) implemented multi-network on two networks in 2020 and currently uses infrastructure from MTS, «Vimpelcom», «Megafon», «T2 Mobile», and «Motiva». The launch required a separate network-level architectural solution and a special lawful interception solution, implemented back in 2020.
The technology is available to all operator customers — individuals and corporate clients. The primary application segment is M2M (machine-to-machine): transport monitoring systems, agricultural machinery, pipelines, livestock, car alarms, GPS collars for animals. Demand is lower in major cities due to stable coverage from each core operator, but higher in regions outside megacities.
«Multi-network mode provides subscribers with broader coverage by automatically switching between different operators and networks to ensure the best communication conditions», — Andrey Skopinsky, Managing Director of Sim Telecom
Risks for mobile operators and technology prospects
Representatives of core operators cautiously assess multi-network development. Megafon stated that the term implies different technological solutions and requires detailed study of each implementation. Sources at one of the «Big Four» operators doubt the existence of multi-network as an independent technology.
Experts see a threat to traditional operators. Vitaly Shub from «Skoltech» notes that the only way for operators with identical communication technology and similar tariffs to compete is through network geographic coverage. An umbrella operator with multi-network neutralizes this advantage, turning core partners into faceless «data pipes» and taking away the subscriber base and revenue. From the subscriber's perspective, competition between mobile operators disappears.
What the technology means for brands with connected devices
Multi-network opens opportunities for brands working with the Internet of Things and M2M solutions: communication stability is critical for monitoring systems, smart devices, and logistics platforms. Increased coverage and communication reliability expand the geographic scope of product applications, reducing the risk of failures in regional campaigns.
For promoting IoT products and M2M services, precise targeting of business audiences through industry-specific bloggers and trade media is relevant. Coverage planning, influencer selection with required expertise, media buying, and KPI forecasting require industry analytics and understanding of B2B segment specifics — this is where the ETC team builds strategy taking into account technological trends and regional coverage characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
What is multi-network for a virtual operator
Multi-network is a technology for automatic switching between networks of several core operators to ensure the best signal. A virtual operator's subscriber gets access to the infrastructure of two or more partners simultaneously, with the device automatically selecting the network with the best coverage and speed.
Which operators in Russia use multi-network
«Sim Telecom» (Next Mobile) has operated in multi-network mode since 2020 across four to five networks in regions. «Sberbank-Telecom» («SberMobile») launched technology testing in Moscow in 2025 based on «T2 Mobile» and «Megafon».
What tasks require multi-network
The primary application segment is M2M and Internet of Things: monitoring of transport and machinery, pipelines, farm animals, car alarms, GPS trackers. In regions, the technology ensures stable connectivity where individual operator coverage is uneven; in major cities, the need is lower.
In brief
- «Sberbank-Telecom» tested multi-network in Moscow in 2025 on «T2 Mobile» and «Megafon» networks; the technology enables automatic switching between operators when seeking the best signal.
- «Sim Telecom» has operated multi-network since 2020, using four to five networks in regions (MTS, «Vimpelcom», «Megafon», «T2 Mobile», «Motiva»).
- Primary demand is from the M2M segment: transport monitoring systems, machinery, pipelines, animals, car alarms; demand is lower in major cities.
- Multi-network launch requires separate architectural solution and lawful interception coordination with the FSB; the volume of approvals doubles when operating on two operators in a region.
- Experts see risks for core operators: multi-network turns them into faceless «data pipes», depriving them of coverage-based competitive advantage and taking away the subscriber base.
- The technology expands opportunities for brands with IoT products and M2M solutions, ensuring communication stability in regions and reducing failure risks.
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