Quick Answer
MegaFon averages 20.1 Mbps download across Russia, while MTS averages 15.6 Mbps. MegaFon holds 27% market share with 76 million subscribers. MTS leads with 31% share and 80 million subscribers. MegaFon is the faster network. MTS has wider overall reach.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below compares MTS and MegaFon across speed, subscribers, and network technology.
| Feature | MTS | MegaFon |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 80 million | 76 million |
| Market Share | 31% | 27% |
| Avg Download | 15.6 Mbps | 20.1 Mbps |
| 4G Coverage | 60%+ nationwide | 65%+ nationwide |
| 5G Status | Active in Moscow | Active in Moscow, St. Petersburg |
| Technology | GPON, FTTB, 4G LTE | 4G LTE, 5G, FTTB |
| Strength | Remote area coverage | Northern regions, speed |
Test MTS speed | Test MegaFon speed
Speed Comparison
MegaFon delivers 20.1 Mbps average download speed nationwide. MTS sits at 15.6 Mbps. That gap of roughly 4.5 Mbps matters for HD streaming and video calls.
MegaFon performs particularly well in northern regions and major cities. Its 65%+ 4G coverage means most urban users get consistent LTE connections. MTS has broader reach in remote areas but slower average throughput.
For fiber broadband, both providers offer FTTB connections in cities. MTS has a larger fixed-line footprint through its GPON network. MegaFon focuses more on mobile-first connectivity with fixed-wireless options in areas without fiber.
Run a speed test from your location to measure actual performance on your current connection.
Coverage
MTS covers more of Russia’s remote territory than any other operator. Its 31% market share reflects decades of infrastructure investment across all 85 federal subjects. Rural users often find MTS is the only available option.
MegaFon dominates northern Russia and performs well in the Moscow-St. Petersburg corridor. The 65%+ 4G coverage rate puts it ahead of MTS on LTE availability. MegaFon also leads in 5G rollout with active service in multiple cities.
Both operators cover all major cities. The real difference shows in smaller towns and rural areas where MTS has an edge in signal availability. MegaFon compensates with faster speeds where its network reaches.
Which Should You Choose?
MTS fits users who travel across Russia frequently or live in remote regions. The wider coverage footprint means fewer dead zones on long trips. MTS also works well for households wanting bundled fiber, IPTV, and mobile on one bill.
MegaFon fits users in cities and northern regions who want faster mobile speeds. The 20.1 Mbps average outperforms MTS by nearly 30%. Gamers and streamers benefit from MegaFon’s lower latency in covered areas.
Compare both networks at your address. Coverage maps differ block by block in many Russian cities.
Summary
MegaFon wins on speed with 20.1 Mbps versus 15.6 Mbps for MTS. MTS wins on coverage with 31% market share and the widest rural network in Russia. Neither operator is better in every situation.
Test your current connection at Kencang speed test to see where you stand. Check the Russia internet overview for broader market context. Compare other Russian operators like Beeline and Tele2 before deciding.
Last Updated: March 28, 2026 Data Sources: Opensignal Russia report, GSMA Intelligence, operator filings