Russian state-owned companies spent 118 million rubles on landline phones between January and August 2026. That was more than three times the amount spent during the same period in 2025. With mobile internet shutdowns affecting nearly 80% of the country, government ministries and businesses are seeking alternatives to unreliable mobile networks. Fixed-line phones are one alternative they are turning to as the restrictions continue.
Russia began systematically switching off mobile internet in May 2025. Although the interruptions were occasional at first, they soon became routine. The restrictions have disrupted banking, taxi services, food delivery, and navigation. Rural areas have been particularly affected, with these services suffering when mobile internet becomes unavailable.
Authorities argue that shutting down mobile internet helps defend against Ukrainian drones, which they say use mobile signals to navigate. Experts dispute this explanation, pointing out that drones can follow routes programmed in advance without connecting to a network. Shutdowns have also occurred in regions far from the front line.
