Importance The main aim of the article is to determine the extent of the existing threats and challenges in telecommunications, and to attract attention of the Russian authorities, business community and public to an important and significant matter to start using national telecommunications equipment. Methods The methodological basis of the research relies upon generalization and analysis of scientific publications, mass media reports, information from the Internet and official public documents, as well as the systems and comparative analysis. We find out significant reasons why consumers prefer foreign telecommunications equipment. To illustrate the negative aspects of the situation, we refer to the use of various software and instrument 'bugs', creation of 'economic traps' for the Russian consumers by foreign vendors, refusal to supply telecommunications network equipment and maintain the purchased equipment. Results We suggest that decisive steps should be taken to support national interests in communications, protect domestic market, and support the Russian designers and manufacturers of telecoms equipment. The article points out that many mechanisms and regulatory tools the government adopted concerning telecommunications equipment did not function properly and duly. We propose a number of strategic systems initiatives supported by governmental authorities and institutions for development of the Russian Federation. For instance, we consider it is reasonable to substantially restrict (almost to ban) the use of foreign telecommunications equipment when building critically important Russian networks. The article presents information on scientific and technological groundwork, potential and capabilities of the Russian companies, which design and manufacture up-to-date and competitive telecommunications equipment using internal resources. We set out some practical considerations on import substitution in telecommunications in terms of designing basic platforms and forming product lines in order to solve issues of retrofitting and development of the existing telecommunications networks, and to construct new ones.
Keywords: telecommunications, equipment, networks, dependence on import, import substitution, information security, national interests, strategic initiatives, import limitation, undocumented features
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