Russian connection prices to soar if operators obliged to store info

MOSCOW, Apr 20 (PRIME) -- Adoption of a bill obliging Russian connection operators to store for three years records of calls, text messages and images sent by subscribers will boost prices of services, Communications and Mass Media Minister Nikolai Nikiforov told reporters Wednesday.

“We think that it’s technically feasible to carry out the idea, but it will be very difficult and costly. If the bill is approved, it will dramatically hike prices of connection services,” Nikiforov said.

Earlier, two officials proposed to introduce amendments to the law on connection to oblige operators to keep information about communication between subscribers and content during three years. The operators were also supposed to give special services access to the information upon request.

“Possibly, we could think of storing information on the fact of a call or a message, but not the whole volume of information,” Nikiforov said.

The ministry is preparing its opinion on the matter, he said.

End