Mobile Carriers Eliminate Data Charges for Max Messenger Users
In a significant shift for mobile users in Russia, the country’s four leading carriers—MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and T2—have announced that they will no longer impose data charges for the Max messenger application, effective August 1. This development allows subscribers to engage with the app without depleting their mobile data allowances.
The Digital Development Ministry confirmed this decision, stating that users will be able to utilize Max freely, even in instances where their data packages have been exhausted. “It can be used even if you run out of gigabytes,” the ministry emphasized in its announcement.
VK, the parent company of Max, echoed this sentiment through its press service, revealing that an agreement had been reached with the carriers to zero-rate the app’s traffic. Max CEO Farit Khusnoyarov expressed optimism about the change, noting that “tens of millions of users” will benefit from unrestricted access to the messenger, regardless of their subscription plan or account balance.
It is important to note that this arrangement is applicable only when users are connected to their carrier’s home network. This stipulation ensures that the benefits are confined to domestic usage.
However, the backdrop to this announcement is not without complications. In early June, the Max messenger was removed from the App Store, a move attributed by Apple to international sanctions, although specific details were not disclosed. Shortly thereafter, the European Union imposed sanctions on VK and its subsidiary, Communication Platform, which is responsible for developing the messenger. This led to Google also removing Max from its app store, further complicating the app’s availability.
