MTS increases prices on tariffs for old subscribers from August 13

Author: iMobile

The mobile operator MTS, without any warnings on the official website, has increased the subscription fee for some tariff plans in many regions of Russia.

The changes affected the Tariffishche, Tariff X tariff plans and, possibly, some others. Considering that there was no official coverage of this issue, I might have missed something. Let's look at the changes using the example of Moscow and the region:

Tariff:

• Subscription fee according to the tariff: it was 650 rubles per month, now it is 680 rubles per month. Increase – 4.6%
• Subscription fee: it was 200 rubles per month, now it is 210 rubles per month. Increase – 5%

Tariff X:

• Subscription fee according to the tariff: it was 520 rubles per month, now it is 545 rubles per month. Increase – 4.8%

It would seem that this is an ordinary situation - MTS sent the previous tariffs to the archive, and instead launched new versions with a slightly changed subscription fee. But no!

The tariffs were not archived; the changes took place directly on the current tariffs. This means that they also affected those who connected to Tariffish and Tariff X before February 19, 2021.

There is no information about this on the official website at the moment (the morning of February 20, 2021) - neither in the “News” section, nor on the “Updating tariff plans and options” page.

MTS technical support confirmed by calling 0890 that the changes affect both new subscribers (those who will connect on February 19) and old ones (those who connected before February 19). Price increases based on current (not archived) tariffs are not a very common occurrence. Typically, operators archive current versions and launch new ones with new conditions instead.

MTS technical support on the VKontakte social network first stated that “information about changes is always posted on the site 10 days before the planned date,” and after I clarified they asked for a phone number and full name. And, since I have a different tariff, and the changes did not affect me, the conversation did not take place.

A little later, technical support responded. It turned out that the information was published in a new section: link. And yes, in fact, there is information. It turns out that I had to go through the entire MTS website.

How to become an MTS user

Before deciding how to transfer the tariff to MTS, you need to connect to the operator. This can be done by going to the website of the cellular operator https://www.mts.ru. After that:

• Select your city and go to “Mobile communications – tariffs – select tariff”.
• Choose the most profitable and suitable tariff for you.
• Click Buy.
• Go to your cart and select how to receive the selected package. In some cities, delivery is free.

Usually you can get a new SIM card the next day, and you can pay for the purchase immediately with a bank card or wait for a courier with a terminal; cash is also accepted.

At the stage of choosing a tariff plan, difficulties may arise, since the operator offers a really large selection of different conditions for users. To understand, let’s look at a few of the most commonly used tariffs.

Methods for changing the tariff

There are many options for switching the tariff on an MTS number. From the list presented, you can choose the most convenient method and perform the actions according to the specified algorithm.

Using USSD command

To change the tariff plan, you can dial the USSD code on your mobile device: *111*2*5#. The response to the request will be a message containing a list of available plans. You must select the one you need and confirm the change.

Important! You need to select your team very carefully. In case of an error, you will have to pay to change the tariff again.

There is another way to use the USSD service. Each tariff plan has its own key combination. You can immediately dial the required numbers and change the pre-selected MTS tariff using the following commands:

• "Super MTS": *888#;
• “Tariff”: *111*1115#;
• “Smart Unlimited”: *111*3888*1#;
• "Smart": *111*1024*1#;
• “Hype”: *111*1010#;
• "Ultra": *111*777#;
• "MTS Connect": *111*307#.

Updates are constantly published on the company's website. When new proposals appear, details of its use and always commands by which you can switch to it are indicated.

You can also clarify the details of the tariff plan by using the USSD command. You need to send a request: *111*59#. You will receive an explanation of the conditions by reply message.

Via SMS message

You can change the tariff on your MTS SIM card from your mobile phone completely free of charge, provided that you have not changed your tariff plan in the last 30 days. To do this, you can send an SMS message to number 111. The text must contain a special combination assigned to each specific tariff:

• "Super MTS": 8888;
• "Smart Unlimited": 3888;
• "Smart": 1024;
• "Hype": 1010;
• "Ultra": 777;
• "MTS Connect": 307.

After sending the code, you will receive a message asking you to confirm the action. Next, you will receive a response notification that the operation was successful. Sending SMS is free.

For tariff plans not mentioned in the list, codes can be found on the official website.

Via Personal Account

To change the plan through your Personal Account, you need to go to the company’s website and click on the “Personal Account” link. Next, enter your phone number and password for your account. In the menu, select the “Tariff Plans” section. A list of current plans will appear on the screen. Next, you need to select the one you need and click the “Connect” button.

In addition to changing the TP, in your Personal Account you can activate various options or refuse those services that you do not use.

If your personal account is not registered, you should do the following:

• Go to the official website;
• Click “Personal Account”;
• Select “Mobile communications”;
• In the window that appears, enter your phone number and click on the “Receive password via SMS” button. The password will be sent to your phone. The password in the message is temporary. Then it needs to be replaced with a permanent one.

Via mobile application

This is one of the most convenient options. The application can be downloaded to your gadget from the company’s official website or found in the application store for your operating system (App Store or Google Play). The principle of operation is similar to the Personal Account. Here are the transition conditions and characteristics of each plan. There are tips on how to carry out the action.

Via service number

The telephone number of the MTS service center is 0890. When you call, the automatic informant will indicate which keys to press. Using his tips, you can change the tariff on your MTS number. Another option is to wait for the call center operator to respond. In addition to the transition, the employee will provide advice on the new conditions and make the transition himself.

Before calling the hotline, you should prepare:

• Have your passport or passport details on hand so you can give them to the operator for identification.
• Decide on the desired tariff. The call center employee will advise you on the conditions for switching to it.
• Be prepared for the operator to ask additional questions regarding personal data.

After the center employee changes the TP, you will receive an SMS message confirming the change. The service is available around the clock.

Visiting the company office

You can always resolve questions about changing the terms of service at any office of the company. When visiting there you must have your passport in hand. An MTS employee will answer your questions, explain the nuances of using each plan and suggest the conditions for switching to it.

The advantage is that in the office you can buy a new SIM card or replace yours, connect an additional service or refuse an unwanted option, and so on.

Choosing a tariff plan

First of all, you need to decide on several questions:

• How much time do you spend on telephone conversations?
• How often do you travel?
• Are you planning to use the Internet on your smartphone?

For those who periodically travel around Russia and often use the Internet to view social networks and check email, the Smart tariff plan is suitable. For 300 rubles a month you will receive 500 free SMS, 500 minutes to any networks in your home region, as well as 3 GB of Internet from MTS. Many companies have an “All Inclusive” tariff; in this case, this “line” is called Smart.

In addition to standard conditions, you can choose between “Smart Mini”, “Smart+”, “Smart Top”, “Smart Unlimited” and others.

The Super MTS tariff offers quite “attractive” conditions. It does not require a subscription fee, which is very beneficial if you do not communicate on your mobile phone very often.

Extension of promotions and special offers

The main offers that the company extended due to high demand for services:

• To receive a 10% discount on payment for services at the current tariff for a whole year, the subscriber can activate the free “Automatic payment at threshold” option. This is a special function that allows you to set up an automatic payment when the subscriber’s balance reaches the established limit. For example, if there are 10 rubles left in the account, the specified amount will be automatically transferred from the linked bank card.
• The MTS Cashback Internet service continues to operate, which allows the operator’s clients to return from 5% to 25% when actively using the company’s bank and its cards.
• The Tariff promotion has been extended. Until the end of July 2021, you can buy a smartphone or tablet in MTS stores and receive a 100% discount on the subscription fee in the first month of use.

How to connect tariffs

If you are already a user of this operator, then there will be no problems with how to connect the Smart tariff to MTS. To do this, just dial *111*1024# on your smartphone and press the call button. After this, you will receive a system message with detailed connection instructions.

You can also use the services of your personal account (for example, if you are thinking about how to connect the Smart Mini tariff to MTS). You can also access it through the company’s official website; to do this, you will need to indicate your phone number (aka login) and enter the received password in the appropriate field. After this, you will be able not only to change the terms of service, but also to connect additional options.

These two options apply to all tariff plans, so you don’t have to guess how to connect to the “Super MTS” tariff or any other.

The same applies to changing and disabling this service.

Changes in tariffs

According to published but not publicly available information on the operator’s website, the innovations will affect the following tariffs:

• “Super MTS” versions 042014 and 122014 - all calls to local MTS numbers and city numbers will cost 95 kopecks for the 1st minute, then 14 minutes are free, from the 16th minute to 95 kopecks/min. Free 20 minutes for intraregional intranet numbers disappear. The subscription fee for the “Call for free to MTS Russia 100” option is also being increased to 4.5 rubles/day. In version 022015, the monthly fee will be 4 rubles/min versus the previous 3.5 rubles/day. Calls to MTS numbers in Russia will become more expensive – they will rise from 5 to 5.5 rubles/min;
• “Super MTS 092014” – the same changes as in the two previous versions. At the same time, the monthly fee increases from 3.5 to 4 rubles/day;
• “Super MTS. Region” versions 072014 and 072015 – the 1st minute to local MTS numbers and city numbers in Moscow and Moscow Region costs 95 kopecks, then the 15th minute is free, then 95 kopecks/min, there is no limit on 20 free minutes. The cost of calls to MTS Russia is also increasing from 5 to 5.5 rubles/min. The monthly fee for the “Benefit calls” option will be 2.5 rubles/day. The “Call for free to MTS Russia” option will increase in price from 3.5 to 4.5 rubles/day; in version 022015 the monthly fee will be 4 rubles/day;
• “Super MTS 0513” - 15 free minutes to any numbers within the network and landline phones in Moscow and Moscow Region every day when you top up your account with 400 rubles for 30 days. Previously, 30 minutes were provided upon replenishment of 300 rubles. If you haven’t topped up your account by 400 rubles, all calls in this direction will cost 1.75 rubles/min versus the previous 1.5 rubles/min. Calls to all-Russian MTS phones are rising in price from 5 to 5.5 rubles/min;
• “Super MTS” versions 2013 and 2012 – 15 free minutes every day to MTS Russian and local landline numbers for 30 days when you top up your account with 500 rubles. Previously, there were 30 minutes for 30 days when replenishing the balance by 400 rubles. The remaining changes are the same as in version 0513. The cost of the “Zero on MTS” option is also increasing from 4 to 4.5 rubles/min;
• “Super MTS” version 082013 – the same changes as in the previous tariff. If 400 rubles are not paid, calls to MTS numbers and landline phones are charged as follows - 95 kopecks for the first minute, then 14 minutes are free, from the 16th minute - 95 kopecks/min. Calls to MTS Russia cost 5.5 rubles/min versus the previous 5 rubles/min. The “Zero on MTS” option is also becoming more expensive from 4 to 4.5 rubles/min.

The cost of other services does not change.

These changes will come into force on August 13, 2021; individual subscribers have already begun to receive relevant SMS notifications.

How to change and disable tariffs

It is not always possible to change the MTS tariff for free, since everything depends on the chosen tariff plan and its conditions. Typically, if you do not pay a fixed monthly amount and have chosen a new package that also does not require such payment, then you do not need to pay an additional fee.

You can switch to a new tariff plan:

• By calling the short number 0890 and using the robotic answering prompts or waiting for the operator to respond, who will change your tariff.
• By sending a text message to 111, indicating the name of the tariff plan you want to subscribe to. After this, you will receive an SMS confirming that the transition was successful.
• By typing the combination *111*2*5# on the phone keypad and pressing the call key. In response, you will receive a message with the current tariffs to which you can switch and instructions.
• Using the service payment terminal.
• By logging into your personal account.

Some tariff plans are disabled by certain commands, for example, in order to disable the MTS “Everywhere at Home” tariff, you will need to send a message to 111 with the text 33330. But, this only applies to old tariffs that are no longer interesting to you.

Thus, you can switch to the “Smart MTS” tariff or to any other. However, before doing this, you should think several times, since if you refuse some conditions for using mobile communications, you may not be able to return to them. That is why, before turning off the “Smart” tariff on MTS, make sure that it really turned out to be unprofitable.

By the way, it is worth saying that a cellular operator cannot force you to abandon the service you chose “a hundred years ago,” even if it is via MTS. The transition to another tariff is carried out exclusively by the user. Of course, the company has the right not to connect new customers to tariff plans, but if we are talking about “old people”, then the operator’s hands are tied. All that remains is to resort to various tricks, for example, when the MTS manager calls and informs you that you need to switch to another tariff plan. In fact, you can use it as much as you like.

Alternative rates

Since the changes in MTS tariffs from August 2021 are not particularly pleasant, you can choose modern tariff plans that may be more profitable. Especially if you use them on smartphones that need mobile Internet. Here, subscribers can expect advantageous call and traffic packages with an adequate subscription fee. In addition, you can save on voice calls by making them through instant messengers - call via WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram and Skype for free and without significant traffic consumption.

For active subscribers we can recommend the Tariffishche tariff. It includes 500, 800, 1500 or 3000 minutes to any Russian numbers and the same number of SMS. No long distance calls - call in any direction. Mobile Internet on the tariff is free and unlimited - an excellent solution for long conversations via instant messengers. By the way, the quality of communication via the Internet is higher, it is also possible to make video calls, seeing the interlocutors on the smartphone display. Subscription fee – 650, 800, 1050 or 1550 rubles/month, depending on the selected package of minutes and SMS.

For the first six months on the Tariffishche tariff plan, a 10% discount on the monthly fee is provided.

Tariff “X” will be of interest to young people and Internet users. It includes 7 GB of total traffic and a bunch of unlimited data for instant messengers, social networks, music and video services. There are few included minutes - only 100 and only for local numbers. Subscribers are also provided with 200 SMS. Monthly fee – 500 rub/month.

Among the junior tariff plans, we recommend “Smart” - 5 GB of Internet, 200 minutes for local calls and MTS Russia numbers, intranet unlimited after the package is exhausted and 200 local SMS for 400 rubles/month. For family subscribers, the “Our SMART” tariff is suitable. It includes unlimited Internet, 1500 minutes within Russia and 1500 SMS for 1000 rubles/month. By paying an additional 50 rubles/month, you can share the contents of the packages with five family members.

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Author

Vyacheslav

For several years he worked in mobile phone stores of two large operators. I understand tariffs well and see all the pitfalls. I love gadgets, especially Android ones.

conclusions

I looked at several dozen tariff plans, including archived ones - the changes will affect many tariffs, if we take the popular ones, then almost all of them - both current and archived versions. This, perhaps, distinguishes MTS from other operators in terms of price increases: it is insignificant - about 4%, but affects almost all popular tariffs.

In principle, it’s not surprising, all the “Big Four” operators have increased prices. But, of course, there is nothing pleasant about this.

Will the price increase affect you? Write about it in the comments. Also, please let us know if you received an SMS notifying you of price changes from January 30, 2021, because in the case of MTS this is really very important, since if there is not enough money to charge the monthly subscription fee, an increased daily fee will be included. Therefore, all subscribers must know exactly how much money they should have on their balance, and the mobile operator must notify subscribers of changes at least 10 days in advance.

In addition, unpleasant news awaits users of roaming services in Crimea and Sevastopol , more about this here.

By the way, on the same day, January 30, 2021, Megafon will update its main line of “Turn on!” tariffs, most likely also with an increase in prices, more about this here.