Russian service "Alla" is released to replace Skype, Viber and WhatsApp

Russian mobile operators have joined forces to counter the growing popularity of foreign instant messengers, where voice traffic and text messages go. Because of this, mobile operators are turning into “stupid” Internet providers with low margins, which they absolutely do not like.

Now they are lobbying for the introduction of licensing for instant messengers. As you know, only Skype cooperates with the Russian FSB, and the rest of the instant messengers refuse to support SORM. In this situation, they will not receive licenses to operate in Russia.

If the messengers block, then it will be possible to effectively promote a purely Russian VoIP platform, in the spirit of modern trends to import substitution. Such a platform under the creative name "Alla" is preparing to launch "Rostelecom". The corporate center of Rostelecom announced the development of design layouts for a web portal and a mobile application, according to the public procurement website.

Developed design layouts must “meet the requirements” of smartphones and tablets with the iOS operating system (versions iOS8 and above) and Android (versions Android 4 and above). Programmers will have to develop screens for video calls and audio calls between users of the service, incoming and outgoing voice calls, instant messages, call logs, contact management and information about the user's presence on the network. In addition, designers must develop an authorization screen design in the application by mobile phone number, said in the tender.
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In a commentary for the Vedomosti newspaper, a representative of Rostelecom, Andrei Polyakov, confirmed that Rostelecom is planning to launch a new service for the exchange of calls and messages. It will work in networks and other operators, including mobile ones, with reference to a phone number. The service will be paid - the company allegedly does not plan to compete in the market of free instant messengers and VoIP applications. Rostelecom is more likely to launch a second version of the home phone, rather than a free instant messenger, Polyakov said. The service is integrated into packages with broadband Internet and IPTV services.

The project will be launched in June of this year in the 16 largest cities of Russia.