Russia’s government often turns off mobile internet. These shutdowns affect nearly 80% of the country. Government offices and businesses now look for other ways to communicate. Companies owned by the government spent 118 million roubles on phones with fixed lines from January to August 2026. This was more than three times their spending in the same months of 2025.
The shutdowns became regular after May 2025. They cause problems for banks, taxis, food deliveries and maps on phones. Officials say they protect Russia from Ukrainian drones, aircraft without pilots. They say these aircraft use mobile internet. Experts disagree. They say the aircraft can follow planned routes without internet. Shutdowns also affect places far from the fighting.
