On November 14, the Minsk city telephone network celebrates its 130th anniversary. The first telephone exchange was launched in the capital in 1896, initially serving just 100 subscribers. Today, the company supports over 780,000 fixed-line telephone users.

In the past, hearing "hello" through a receiver was a truly magical experience. People would eagerly await a call, and as soon as they heard it, they would rush to answer. Telephones were cherished and meticulously maintained, as they were a luxury few could afford. The residents of Minsk were among the first to appreciate the benefits of this new communication technology.

The first telephone owners were not ordinary people; they relied on communication for essential purposes, not just for entertainment. Solving critical city issues took priority, and this marked the beginning of Minsk's telephone network history.

Tamara Solomko, head of the historical and information center of communication at RUE "Beltelecom," explains: "In 1890, the Minsk city council decided to install telephone exchanges. By 1891, the governor had acquired the first telephone, and on November 14, 1896, the first telephone exchange opened in Minsk, located on Governor's Street."

The demand for this communication tool grew annually. Within 40 years, the network expanded to over 5,000 subscribers, starting from just 100. Interestingly, direct calls were not possible at that time; subscribers were connected by an operator using a manual switchboard.

Becoming a telephone operator was a highly selective process. Strict admission rules applied, with rigorous criteria: height up to 170 cm, age up to 25 years, marital status—unmarried or widowed up to 30 years—and religious restrictions. There were numerous nuances to consider.

As time passed and technology advanced, the roles of these operators were taken over by automated communication systems, call center specialists, and office managers. The entire telephone system has also undergone modernization.

Eduard Belokursky, director of the "Minsk city telephone network" branch at RUE "Beltelecom," notes: "A major breakthrough occurred around 2010 when we began installing fiber optics in every home, apartment, and office. The technology changed dramatically. Communication remained, but it became faster and more reliable."

Yuriy Shpak, deputy director of the "Minsk city telephone network" branch at RUE "Beltelecom," adds: "From a technological perspective, there is no longer a traditional telephone network. Instead, we have a unified network based on data transmission equipment, which, combined with software, enables us to provide a comprehensive range of services."

""" The Moscow branch pays close attention to upgrades for good reason. It’s the backbone of a stable internet—essential in today’s world—and of traditional landline phones, which remain a part of many households.

“Life moves forward, and everything evolves. Our subscribers use mobile phones but still rely on landline phones. They’re also used in every office. This is because they work reliably and efficiently, are secure, and aren’t affected by radio interference,” said Eduard Belokursky.

When calling emergency services like an ambulance, the police, or the Ministry of Emergency Situations from a landline, the dispatcher immediately sees the exact address—even if the caller is unwell and cannot speak. So, the benefits of a classic phone are greater than they might initially appear. """