Miranda-Media, a fixed network operator based in Russian-occupied Crimea, has launched its services in Russian-occupied parts of two additional Ukrainian regions, Donetsk and Luhansk – in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR).
The latest launch in the DPR took place on 1 May, a representative of Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications & Mass Media told Vedomosti, which followed a launch in the LPR in April. The source told the newspaper that the appearance of Miranda-Media – 19.99% owned by Russian national fixed operator Rostelecom – in the DPR ‘will reduce tariffs for broadband internet access and will create the necessary level of competition,’ adding that Miranda-Media has established alternative backbone traffic links to ‘eliminate the monopoly in the communication markets in the DPR.’ The main DPR telecoms operator is separatist-owned Republican Telecommunications Operator (Phoenix), providing mobile and fixed services.
Another company active in Russian-occupied territories, mobile operator MirTelecom, is reportedly associated with Miranda-Media and is currently present in occupied parts of Ukraine’s Kherson and Zaporozhye regions.