Russia is in the process of implementing nationwide regulations aimed at consolidating the authority to suspend mobile internet services, as outages linked to Ukrainian drone strikes have become increasingly common throughout the country, as reported by the pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia on Tuesday, referencing sources from the government and telecommunications sector.
The Ministry of Digital Development is said to be negotiating with telecom companies to simplify the shutdown process and appoint a single governmental agency responsible for overseeing mobile internet outages.
At present, a diverse array of entities, including local authorities, emergency services, and security agencies, possess the power to request mobile internet shutdowns.
One insider informed Izvestia that this has led to a notable increase in chaotic and often unwarranted disruptions, particularly in light of the rising frequency of drone attacks nationwide.
“Given the current security situation and the uptick in drone strikes, the number of organizations permitted to issue shutdown requests has expanded significantly,” the individual shared with Izvestia.
In many instances, requests are sent from regional officials to Moscow for verification, which causes delays and can result in internet service being cut in areas where it may not be needed, while failing to adequately restrict access in more critical locations.
Previously, the authority to initiate shutdowns was mainly vested in security services and the state communications regulator Roskomnadzor, and these measures were generally reserved for significant public gatherings or counterterrorism efforts.
However, in recent months, there has been a notable increase in regional orders, especially since May, when Ukrainian drone incidents escalated, leading to extensive outages in multiple areas.
Russia recorded 655 mobile internet shutdowns in June alone, which is more than double the total number of shutdowns reported globally for the entirety of 2024, according to the independent communications watchdog Na Svyazi.
These outages have significantly affected various essential services, including emergency communications, online banking, and public transit operations.
The Internet Protection Society based in Russia estimates that a single day of nationwide mobile internet shutdowns could result in financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Karen Kazaryan, director of the Internet Research Institute, told Izvestia that optimizing the shutdown process could shield users from unnecessary interruptions and minimize the workload for operators. He also noted that designating one authority to issue these orders is a sensible move.
