Rostelecom Explores Underground Data Centers in Partnership With Norilsk Nickel for Stronger Physical Protection
Rostelecom is developing underground data centers as a third layer of protection against serious external threats. The first layer involves backup sites with data copies, while the second distributes computing power and services across geographically separated locations. The company is discussing the project with Norilsk Nickel, which could supply both underground facilities and its own power generation capacity. Experts from iKS-Consulting estimate that a buried data center would cost 30-40 percent more than a comparable surface facility due to requirements for waterproofing, ventilation, gas monitoring, specialized fire suppression, evacuation systems, and underground equipment transport. Sources indicate the plans were reported by Vedomosti citing a top Rostelecom executive and people familiar with the talks. No specific timelines, sites, or technical parameters have been disclosed yet.
AntiMalwareNov 2, 2026Translated from Russian