Mobile SIM cards distributed in the Leningrad region, by MegaFon.
MegaFon Simplifies Mobile Services for Foreigners in Russia
In a significant move to improve services for foreigners in Russia, MegaFon, one of the leading communication operators in the country, has partnered with the Multi-Service Center (MFC) of Leningrad Oblast to streamline the process of purchasing and activating SIM cards.
The initiative, which is being piloted at the "Vsevolozhsky" business office, aims to simplify customer paths for foreigners and reduce activation time, as stated by Igor Glebov, Director of the Development Department at MegaFon.
Under the new rules, as per the current "Telecommunications" law, contracts for mobile communication services with foreign citizens or stateless persons are now subject to new rules. A foreign citizen must obtain a notarized translation of their identity document, register on the State Services portal, and confirm it. They also need to register in the Unified Biometric System (UBS) after registration.
The project, being implemented in collaboration with the MFC, will enable clients to complete multiple procedures (obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Number (INN), registering on the State Services portal, and activating a SIM card) in one location, reducing the time spent.
Moreover, biometric data collection and obtaining an INN will require a bank visit. However, with the cooperation between MegaFon and MFC, these procedures can now be completed at the MFC, making it more convenient for foreigners.
MegaFon plans to expand its collaboration with MFCs to other regions in the Russian Federation, aiming to make mobile services more accessible for foreigners and stateless persons. By the end of the month, the project will be expanded to all state service centers of the MFC.
For foreign citizens in Russia for a short period (2-3 months), this cooperation will significantly simplify the process of activating contracts, as they may find it challenging to complete all necessary procedures. The ability to purchase a SIM card at the MFC will be beneficial for these individuals.
The communication operator begins providing services only after checking the subscriber's information on the State Services portal and in the Unified Biometric System (UBS). This ensures the security and legitimacy of the subscribers.
In summary, MegaFon's partnership with the MFC of Leningrad Oblast is set to revolutionize the way foreigners and stateless persons access mobile services in Russia. The initiative aims to make the process more convenient, efficient, and accessible for all.
With MegaFon's collaboration with the MFC, foreigners and stateless persons can now easily activate smartphones and purchase gadgets, as the process has been streamlined into one location. Despite the rules requiring a notarized translation of identity documents, registration on the State Services portal, and biometric data collection, the new initiative makes it more convenient for foreigners to complete these procedures.
