Interruptions to cellular internet connections across Russia are broadening
In recent months, internet connectivity in Russia, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine, has been subject to various disruptions and censorship. The latest concern is the widespread shutdown of cellphone internet, which has affected over 60 of Russia's 80 regions as of mid-July.
A notable example of this is the viral video by blogger Pavel Osipyan, who shared his experiences of a poor internet connection in Rostov-on-Don. The video, which has garnered over half a million views in two weeks, highlights the challenges faced by residents in their daily lives due to these disruptions.
Osipyan raps about his inability to pay electronically for groceries and the need to use paper maps while driving. Similarly, in Voronezh, a resident experienced no cellphone internet or Wi-Fi at home for several days in early July. In the southwestern city of Samara, cellphone internet goes out at unpredictable moments, and home Wi-Fi slows to a near halt at night.
These shutdowns are often linked to security concerns, particularly in light of Ukrainian drone attacks. The Russian military has reported downing 122 Ukrainian drones over a dozen regions. However, experts warn of far-reaching consequences in a country where online freedom is already curtailed by the Kremlin.
Some regional officials have confirmed that cellphone internet is restricted for security reasons. Russia is moving to centralize authority for mobile internet shutdowns to streamline responses to security threats, such as drone attacks. This aims to reduce disorganized shutdowns but may lead to increased state control over internet access.
The unreliable internet could hinder economic activities that depend on digital connectivity, such as remote work and online commerce. The frequent shutdowns and throttling make communication difficult, both within Russia and internationally, affecting personal and professional interactions.
Residents face challenges accessing information and services online, which can limit their ability to stay informed about local and global events. Living with frequent internet disruptions can create a sense of isolation and uncertainty, adding to the psychological strain on residents, particularly in already stressed regions like those bordering Ukraine.
In an attempt to mitigate these issues, authorities in some regions have announced steps to minimize disruptions by opening Wi-Fi spots. However, the situation in rural areas, small towns, and villages is harder to gauge.
The Kremlin has plans to introduce a national messenger app, expected to replace foreign ones, as part of its larger campaign to establish control over the internet. Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, has stated that everything that ensures the safety of citizens is justified and a priority.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-throttles-cloudflare-traffic-2021-06-10/ [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57507955 [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-moves-centralize-control-mobile-internet-shutdowns-2021-07-02/ [4] https://www.cloudflare.com/newsroom/press-releases/russia-blocks-cloudflare-traffic/ [5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57325011
- The continued disruptions and censorship in Russia's internet connectivity, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine, have raised concerns about the impact on economic activities, as businesses heavily depend on digital connectivity for remote work and online commerce.
- As Russia centralizes authority for mobile internet shutdowns, some fear increased state control over internet access, which could limit general news and sports information available to the public, adding to the sense of isolation and uncertainty among residents.
- Businesses in Seattle, for instance, might be encouraged by the growing tech scene and government support for start-ups, leading to potential collaborations and expansion into new markets.
- The Russian government's plans to introduce a national messenger app as part of its campaign to establish control over the internet could have broader implications for digital communication and competition in the technology sector, impacting both local businesses and international companies.
