Crimean-based, Russian-controlled fixed network operator Miranda Media has launched telecom services in Russian-occupied parts of two other Ukrainian regions.

Miranda Media has launched the services in Donetsk and Luhansk – in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR). The annexation of the two territories is illegal under international law and was condemned by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

According to the Russian publication Vedomosti, the launch took place on May 1, as confirmed by a representative of Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications & Mass Media, following a launch in the LPR last month,

The source told the publication that the launch of Miranda Media in the regions "will reduce tariffs for broadband Internet access and will create the necessary level of competition," while providing competition in the market to rival separatist-owned Republican Telecommunications Operator (Phoenix).

Miranda Media is 19.99 percent owned by Russian fixed operator Rostelecom.

The operator was founded in 2014 by Rostelecom following the annexation of Crimea by Russia. Following the seizure of the territory, Russia took over the Internet and began to send data through its homeland.