Hair Salon Employs Bioterminals for Cost-Effective Sanitization
In a bid to enhance security and convenience, Russian telecommunications company Megafon has started equipping its retail stores with biometric terminals for the verification of citizens' identities through the Unified Biometric System (UBS). The initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to streamline the customer journey for foreign nationals or stateless persons purchasing SIM cards, was launched on July 1, 2025 [1].
The biometric terminals, installed in selected Megafon stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg, are expected to be rolled out across all operator stores in other Russian regions [2]. These advanced devices enable the verification of identity through biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition, offering a faster and more reliable method of confirming a user's identity compared to traditional passport or visa checks [1][4].
The introduction of these biometric terminals aims to modernize the SIM card activation process by integrating advanced human identification technology, especially relevant given Russia’s stringent rules for SIM registration and residency verification for foreign visitors [1][4]. The project, supported by Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, the Center for Biometric Technologies, and Ovision, is expected to improve security and compliance while enhancing convenience [3].
For foreign nationals activating SIM cards, this biometric system offers significant benefits. By automating the identification process, biometric terminals help ensure that SIM cards are activated only with proper identity verification, reducing fraud and aligning with state regulatory requirements [1]. Additionally, the reduced waiting times and potential errors at retail points make the activation process more efficient and user-friendly [1][4].
To sign up for communication services, foreign nationals must obtain a pension insurance number (SНИЛС), set up a confirmed account on the Gosuslugi portal, and register their biometrics at a bank branch [5]. Once these steps are completed, foreign nationals can use their own smartphone with the app installed or a legal entity's personal cabinet on the EGAIS platform for identification in the store [2].
By fall, Megafon aims to make purchasing SIM cards for foreign citizens or stateless individuals as simple and convenient as possible [6]. Igor Glebov, Director of Development at MegaFon, has stated that all Megafon salons will be fully equipped with biometric terminals by this time [2].
References: [1] Megafon Press Release, July 1, 2025. [2] Igor Glebov, Director of Development, Megafon, interview, July 1, 2025. [3] Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, press release, June 30, 2025. [4] Ovision, press release, June 30, 2025. [5] Gosuslugi portal, user guide, accessed July 1, 2025. [6] Megafon Press Release, June 30, 2025.
The biometric terminals, integrated with Megafon's retail stores, are poised to revolutionize the SIM card activation process in Russia by leveraging advanced technology for human identification, thus enhancing both security and compliance in the finance sector. The project, spearheaded by Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, is expected to streamline the experience for foreign nationals or stateless individuals, aligning with stringent SIM registration and residency verification rules in the country.
