Rostelecom/VTB JV might carry out regional digitization projects worth 35 bln rubles by 2025

MOSCOW. Jan 30 (Interfax) - Infra-Telecom, a joint venture between Rostelecom and VTB Infrastructure Holding, might carry out projects to develop digital infrastructure in Russia's regions worth up to 35 billion rubles by 2025, the parties said in a press release, citing preliminary estimates.

This will involve creating video surveillance and traffic camera systems, smart transport systems, increasing energy efficiency, automation of processes in the housing and utilities sector, Safe City projects and other areas.

The company will finance the projects through public-private partnerships.

The new venture's first project will be to create a video surveillance system in Murmansk Region to increase public safety in the region's population centers. There are plans to install more than 1,000 video cameras and a smart video analytics system.

For state bank VTB , participation in this project is an opportunity to develop a new area of business implementing concession projects in the field of high technology in partnership with Rostelecom, the release said. The venture will combine the digital competencies of Rostelecom and VTB Group's experience in arranging financing for regional and municipal infrastructure projects.

Interfax reported earlier that Rostelecom acquired 49.5% of Infra-Telecom in early December 2022 to implement infrastructure projects. The acquisition was made through the national provider's subsidiary JSC Vestelkom. VTB Infrastructure Holding LLC has owned 49.5% of Infra-Telecom since the company was founded in June 2021 and Yelena Apolonskaya owns the other 1%.