Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on May 18 making access to civilian navigation signals from the Glonass navigation satellite system free and without restriction, the Kremlin press service announced.

The Russian government cabinet has ordered to determine the terms and conditions for civilian users within the next three months.

Russia plans to have 18 Glonass satellites in orbit by the end of 2007 and a full constellation of 24 spacecraft by 2009.