Rostovtsev, A.I. Social inequality in access to digital services: how mobile tariffs affect the quality of life of the population. Regional problems of economic transformation. 2025. No. 8 (178). P. 234-241. DOI 10.26726 ...

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Abstract

The study analyzes the causes of digital inequality, in particular the availability of mobile communications and Internet services, and their impact on the quality of life of the Russian population. Based on Rosstat statistics, tariffs of leading mobile operators, and quality of life indicators by region, it was found that the cost of communication services may have an average correlation with the level of household consumption, while no direct correlation was found between mobile operator tariffs, gross regional product, and the quality of life of the population. The key factor determining the quality of life is access to mobile broadband Internet. The correlation coefficient between the series of quality of life indicators and mobile broadband access indicators is 0.76, indicating a strong relationship between these indicators. The results show that in rich regions, operators raise prices to maximize profits, while in poor regions, high communication costs may limit access to digital services, exacerbating inequality. This hinders the development of the digital economy, impairs the possibilities of remote work, online education, and telemedicine. This study confirms the previously identified opinion of other authors on the need to adapt tariff policy to the income of the population to ensure equal opportunities in the digital age.