Telecommunications in Russia

National telecommunications has undergone significant changes. Some of these changes and the main principles of the national telecommunications system are described. First the milestones of the previous years are considered. Afterward, the structure of the public switched telephone network (PSTN), the basis of national telecommunications, is presented. We then deal with statistics and forecasting. Two tables present the development of the main telecommunication networks. A third table allows us to compare telecommunications development in the republics of the former USSR. Three figures show the forecasts of the main indexes of future telecommunications. General evolution tendencies inherent in Russian telecommunications are described next, including new technologies and services. One example related to modern equipment application is described. Finally, we deal with aspects of Russian telecommunications liberalization.