Temporary Mobile Internet Shutdown in Moscow
Potential Internet Restrictions on Mobile Devices in Moscow May Last until May 10, as Per Kremlin
Moscow is all set for a temporary mobile internet blackout leading up to the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, celebrated on May 9. The restrictions, primarily due to safety concerns, stem from potential threats from Ukraine, like drone attacks. Kremlin officials insist these measures are crucial to secure the celebrations, especially with the presence of foreign dignitaries such as Chinese President Xi Jinping (1, 3, 5).
From now until at least May 10, as foreign leaders visit the city, mobile internet restrictions are in place. Telecom providers acknowledge the disruptions but claim they're beyond their control (3, 4). The Russian emergency alert system has issued notifications about these security measures during the events (4).
To combat these interruptions, banks and service providers have suggested alternate methods:
- Sberbank, Russia's largest state-owned bank, suggests its mobile app may malfunction over mobile networks, recommending WiFi instead (1).
- VkusVill, a popular grocery chain, warns customers that express deliveries and card payments via couriers will partially halt in Moscow until May 9 (1).
- Yandex Taxi experienced temporary glitches owing to mobile network failures (1).
These precautions show the initiatives taken by financial and service providers to minimize the effects of internet irregularities during major events.
Written by Natalia Petrova in Moscow
- Source: RIA "New Day" - 2025
- Additional Insights: [1] - RT; [3] - Interfax; [4] - Tass News Agency; [5] - Reuters.
- The Kremlin's policy-and-legislation around mobile internet restrictions, primarily due to safety concerns, is probably adding an unfavorable twist to the general news this anniversary, given the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory Day in Moscow.
- Sberbank, a major player in Russian banking, is probably advising its users to switch to WiFi instead of mobile networks, considering potential kremlin-sanctioned disruptions during the anniversary celebrations.
- Disruptions in express deliveries and card payments via couriers from VkusVill, a popular grocery chain, are added inconveniences residents in Moscow are facing due to the temporary kremlin-ordered mobile internet blackout preceding the anniversary festivities.
- Yandex Taxi might experience temporary glitches owing to mobile network failures caused by the kremlin's security measures, an issue arising not just from politics but also impacting general day-to-day life in Moscow.
