Russia Will Make Mobile Data for the Max Messenger Free
Russian authorities continue to promote the state-run messaging app Max. Starting in August, users will be able to use its core features for free without using up their mobile data allowance. The service has signed an agreement to this effect with the four largest mobile operators in Russia.
Calls, messages, file transfers, and built-in digital services will all work without using mobile data. The company stated that users will no longer have to worry about mobile data limits, and the operator Beeline called Max part of the state’s digital infrastructure.
The messenger has already been integrated with “State Services,” added to the list of mandatory pre-installed apps on smartphones, and is being used to host government, educational, and residential chat groups. According to Mediascope, in June 2026, Max surpassed Telegram for the first time in terms of monthly audience reach in Russia.
Source: RBC.
As a reminder, Pavel Durov was questioned for the fourth time in France as part of an investigation into Telegram.
A Russian Telegram clone, which leaked data to the FSB, announced its closure.
