In an era where digital sovereignty has become a national priority, Russia’s communications industry is undergoing a profound transformation. From fiber-optic cables spanning the world’s largest country to cybersecurity solutions protecting critical infrastructure, the sector is actively building a path toward technological independence.
At the center of this evolution is SVIAZ — the International Exhibition for Information and Communications Technology — the undisputed flagship event for Russia’s telecom and IT sector. Alongside specialized forums like CSTB, these trade shows offer international companies a strategic window into one of the world’s most dynamic and challenging communications markets.
Here is a comprehensive guide to Russia’s communications industry trade shows in 2026 and beyond.
SVIAZ: The Crown Jewel of Russian Communications
A Legacy Since 1975
Founded in 1975, SVIAZ has earned its reputation as the largest and most influential information technology and telecommunications exhibition in Russia, the CIS, and Eastern Europe. For five decades, it has served as the primary meeting point for industry leaders, government officials, technology developers, and professional buyers.
The 38th edition of SVIAZ took place from April 7–10, 2026, at Moscow’s Timiryazev Centre. It was held as part of the Russian Week of High Technologies — a major inter-industry platform included in the “Science and Business” initiative of Russia’s Decade of Science and Technology.
By the Numbers: SVIAZ 2026
The 2026 edition delivered impressive statistics that underscore the event’s resilience and relevance:
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Exhibition Space | 15,000+ sq. meters |
| Exhibiting Companies | 360+ |
| Participating Countries | 3 (Russia, China, Belarus) |
| Russian Exhibitors | 180+ |
| Professional Visitors | 15,400+ |
| Visitor Origins | 30 countries, 82 Russian regions |
China was the only country with a dedicated national pavilion, hosting companies from provinces including Anhui, Hebei, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, as well as cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Nanjing, and the Hong Kong region. In total, 51 Chinese companies participated in SVIAZ 2026.
What the Exposition Showcases
The SVIAZ exhibition floor covers the entire communications ecosystem, from core infrastructure to cutting-edge applications:
Telecommunications & Network Infrastructure:
- Fixed-line network systems and equipment
- Communication cables and line-cable equipment
- Fiber-optic cables and systems
- Network infrastructure technologies
- Data center equipment and software
Wireless & Satellite Communications:
- Satellite communication equipment
- Mobile communication technologies
- Radio communication equipment
- Antenna mast structures and towers
- Antenna feeder devices
Emerging Technologies:
- Cybersecurity solutions (nearly doubled in 2026)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Artificial Intelligence
- 5G infrastructure
- AR/VR technologies
Navigation & Broadcasting:
- Navigation systems (NAVITECH special exposition)
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Remote Earth sensing
- High-precision satellite navigation
The Conference Program: Strategy at the Highest Level
The SVIAZ Forum is the event’s intellectual core, bringing together government ministers, industry executives, and academic researchers. The 2026 program was organized around a central theme: “Telecommunications as the Foundation of Technological Sovereignty.”
Plenary Session highlights included discussions on:
- Digital sovereignty and security
- Telecommunications as a support mechanism for national projects
- Regulatory evolution: how laws can keep pace with technology
- The role of government support and science in telecom equipment development
- AI and the transformation of the telecom industry
Strategic sessions organized with the Russian State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education addressed:
- Research and universities as drivers of telecom industry development
- Scientific and technological development of Russia amid new challenges: priorities, personnel, laws
Special industry sessions covered:
- The evolving relationship between vendors and integrators
- The current stage of equipment and service development in telecom
- The ecosystem approach of companies in the telecommunications sector
Notable Russian Exhibitors
The 2026 edition featured an impressive roster of domestic industry leaders:
- Rosel (Rostec State Corporation): Demonstrated service routers (ISN415 and ISN505 series), ultra-precise quartz resonators and generators, and fiber-optic cable with contactless data transmission technology
- Inkab: One of Europe’s largest optical cable manufacturers, announced industrial production of submarine fiber-optic cable at a new plant in Primorsky Krai
- Eltex Communications: Showcased Wi-Fi 7 switches and 400G platforms for data centers
- Bazis Telecom: Presented an 800 Gbps backbone platform with adaptive modulation
- Informtekhnika i Svyaz: Unveiled a fully Russian-made multi-protocol base station for emergency services
The Chinese Presence
Chinese companies have become fixtures at SVIAZ, and 2026 was no exception. Participants included:
- Beijing Guangruntong Technology Development Co., Ltd
- Ulefone
- Shenzhen Chenxiang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd
- Shenzhen Oxo Technology Co., Ltd
- Lanner Electronics (Taiwan)
Chinese exhibitors showcased a wide array of products: communication and internet access technologies, antennas and cables, computing equipment, data storage solutions, optoelectronics, network equipment, mobile electronics, IoT devices, smart gadgets, and digital accessories.
2027 Dates
The 39th edition of SVIAZ is scheduled for April 2027 (specific dates to be announced) at the Timiryazev Centre, Moscow.
CSTB: Broadcasting and Telecom Forum
While SVIAZ dominates the broad communications landscape, CSTB (often referred to as the “CSTB Telecom & Media Forum”) serves as a specialized platform for the broadcasting and telecommunications intersection.
Event Profile
CSTB is described as the “professional media event of cutting-edge products and technologies in the broadcasting and telecommunication industries”. Its focus areas include:
- Digital cable, satellite, and free-to-air television
- IPTV and OTT services
- HDTV and TV content
- Multiservice networks
- Satellite communications
2026 Dates and Venue
The next edition of CSTB is scheduled for February 16–17, 2026, at the Lotte Hotel in Moscow.
Who Should Attend
CSTB is ideal for companies specializing in:
- Broadcast technology and equipment
- Content delivery networks
- Satellite broadcasting solutions
- Multiservice network integration
- Television and media technology
While smaller in scale than SVIAZ, CSTB offers a more focused, intimate setting for networking with broadcasting and media technology professionals.
Organizers
The event is organized by Midexpo, a Moscow-based exhibition and fair organizer.
The Russian Week of High Technologies: An Ecosystem Approach
An essential concept for understanding Russia’s communications exhibition landscape is the Russian Week of High Technologies (RWHT) — a major inter-industry congress and exhibition project that serves as an umbrella for multiple specialized events.
Components of RWHT
The 2026 edition (April 7–10) included:
- SVIAZ 2026 — The flagship ICT exhibition
- NAVITECH 2026 — Specialized exposition of navigation systems, technologies, and services
- Consumer Electronics Section — Dedicated display of consumer electronics
Government Support
The RWHT enjoys extraordinary backing from Russian state institutions:
- Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation
- State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation
The opening ceremony featured addresses from Vladimir Kononov (State Deputy and Organizing Committee Chairman), Vasily Shpak (Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade), Denis Frantsuzov (Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry), and Maxim Fateev (General Director of EXPOCENTRE).
Strategic Comparison: Which Event for Which Goal?
| Aspect | SVIAZ | CSTB |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Full-spectrum ICT and telecommunications | Broadcasting, media, telecom intersection |
| Scale | 360+ exhibitors, 15,000+ visitors | Smaller, specialized |
| Venue | Timiryazev Centre | Lotte Hotel |
| 2026 Dates | April 7–10 (Concluded) | February 16–17 (Concluded) |
| 2027 Dates | April 2027 (TBD) | February 2027 (TBD) |
| Key Strengths | Network infrastructure, cybersecurity, government access | Broadcast technology, content delivery |
| International Participation | Strong (China national pavilion) | Moderate |
Key Trends Shaping Russia’s Communications Expos
Based on SVIAZ 2026 highlights, several themes dominate the current exhibition landscape:
1. Import Substitution and Technological Sovereignty
The dominant theme of SVIAZ 2026 was the drive toward Russian-made telecom equipment. The “Import Independence in Telecommunications” award ceremony celebrated domestic achievements. Russian companies showcased routers, switches, fiber-optic cables, and components designed to replace Western products.
2. Cybersecurity Expansion
The number of cybersecurity solutions at SVIAZ 2026 nearly doubled compared to the previous edition. As Russian organizations seek protection against evolving threats, cybersecurity vendors are finding a receptive audience.
3. Satellite and Mobile Communications Growth
The exhibition featured a “significant increase” in equipment for satellite, mobile, and radio communications — reflecting Russia’s vast geography and the need for connectivity in remote regions.
4. Data Center Infrastructure
Equipment and software for data centers received increased attention, with major Russian vendors unveiling high-speed switching and routing platforms.
5. AI Integration
Artificial Intelligence was a recurring theme, with dedicated sessions exploring how AI can improve telecom operations, network management, and customer experience.
Practical Advice for International Exhibitors
1. Register Early
SVIAZ attracts significant international interest, and booth space sells out months in advance. Chinese exhibitors alone numbered 51 in 2026, and competition for visibility is intense.
2. Focus on Import Substitution Messaging
The Russian government is actively incentivizing domestic production and technology partnerships. Foreign companies must position themselves as partners in Russia’s technological sovereignty — through joint ventures, technology transfer, or filling specific gaps in the supply chain.
3. Bring Russian-Language Technical Documentation
Russian buyers at SVIAZ are highly technical. Equipment specifications, certification documents (including GOST and EAC certifications), and case studies should be available in Russian.
4. Don’t Skip the Conference Program
The SVIAZ Forum offers unparalleled access to government decision-makers and industry leaders. The plenary session alone features deputy ministers and State Duma committee chairs.
5. Understand the New Supply Chain Reality
Following Western sanctions, Russian companies are actively seeking alternative suppliers from China, India, Turkey, and other nations not participating in sanctions regimes. SVIAZ has become a marketplace for this supply chain reconfiguration.
Russia’s communications industry is at a pivotal moment. The drive for technological sovereignty, the expansion of cybersecurity solutions, and the modernization of network infrastructure are creating substantial opportunities for international suppliers willing to navigate the market.
For companies specializing in telecommunications equipment, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, data center solutions, satellite communications, or broadcast technology, Russia’s trade show circuit — centered on SVIAZ and complemented by CSTB — offers an efficient, concentrated entry point.
The connections made in Moscow’s Timiryazev Centre and the discussions held at the Lotte Hotel are shaping the future of how the world’s largest country communicates. The exhibitions are open, the networks are expanding, and the opportunities are substantial.
Key Upcoming Communications Events in Russia
| Event | Date | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSTB 2027 | February 2027 (TBD) | Lotte Hotel, Moscow | Broadcasting, media, telecom |
| SVIAZ 2027 | April 2027 (TBD) | Timiryazev Centre, Moscow | Full-spectrum ICT |
| Russian Week of High Technologies 2027 | April 2027 (TBD) | Timiryazev Centre, Moscow | ICT + Navigation + Consumer Electronics |
