Rostelecom networks robust enough to handle the extra demand for new connections and the increase in traffic during the Covid-19 lockdown

Moscow, Russia – March 31, 2020 – Rostelecom PJSC (MOEX - RTS: RTKM, RTKMP; OTCQX: ROSYY), Russia’s national telecommunications operator, announces today that the number of requests for high-speed broadband connection was up by 22% over the last week. This was largely caused by the widespread shift to remote working as well as increased demand for e-learning, online sales, digital video services.

Rostelecom’s traffic has increased by 10% during the last three weeks. To address this, the Company has taken a number of technical and operational measures preparing to handle extra demand. These steps have helped ensure the smooth functioning of the broadband infrastructure and ample network capacity with no impact on quality of Rostelecom’s services. Rostelecom has also started to gradually transfer customers’ plans to higher internet speeds while the business is operating as usual and meeting all its service level agreements.

Mikhail Oseevskiy, President of Rostelecom:

“We understand the value of social communication, particularly at the time of forced self-isolation and global fight against the COVID19. It is vital that as many as possible have reliable and consistent access to communication tools. Rostelecom network and IT infrastructure will continue its smooth operations, as our utmost goal is to ensure we deliver our customers the ultrafast and reliable digital services they expect”.