"Mobile internet block in Russia to allow widespread access to alternative communication methods"
Russia has introduced a new system that ensures essential services remain accessible during mobile internet blackouts. This "white list" includes marketplaces, delivery services, taxi apps, and machine-to-machine networks supporting ATMs and other self-service devices.
The system was put in place to ensure these vital services continue to operate at normal speeds despite mobile internet disruptions prompted by security concerns, such as Ukrainian drone attacks.
Users will be able to access the "white list" of popular services at the same speed via CAPTCHA during a blockage. This scheme was agreed upon to provide some level of internet access during restrictions.
The ministry has also agreed to separately work on machine-to-machine (M2M) network interactions to ensure that ATMs, payment terminals, and other devices continue to function.
The introduction of this "white list" comes as mobile internet shutdowns have been regularly occurring in various regions of Russia for the past two months. These disruptions have been reported in cities such as Ivanovo, Pskov, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Tyumen, and others.
The full "white list" will be revealed later, providing more clarity on the services that will remain operational during mobile internet shutdowns.
The sales of Wi-Fi routers have increased due to these mass mobile internet blockages this summer in Russia, with a 112% increase in sales on Wildberries in the first two summer months compared to June-July 2024.
Experts from the Internet Protection Society (IPS) estimate that one hour of downtime for the whole of Russia results in losses of 46 billion rubles, with losses for Moscow at 9.6 billion rubles.
The cooling-off period for foreign SIM cards in Russian roaming remains unclear, with specific current details or durations for such a cooling-off period not found in the recent information available. Consulting official Russian telecom regulatory sources or recent government communications would be necessary for more precise details.
Previously, the Ministry of Digital Development prioritized maintaining the operation of the "Gosuslugi" platform, banking applications, and emergency notification channels during mobile internet disruptions.
Shadaev, a representative from the Ministry of Digital Development, noted that a cooling-off period of at least five hours will be specified for foreign SIM cards entering Russian roaming.
[1] Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-official-defends-mobile-internet-disruptions-security-2021-08-04/
The system, introduced by Russia, will ensure that financial services, such as ATMs and payment terminals, remain operational during mobile internet disruptions, even amidst the ongoing protests. This scheme also includes entertainment and business applications on the "white list," allowing users to access these services via CAPTech during blockages.
Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has made provisions for machine-to-machine (M2M) network interactions, aiming to maintain normal operation of devices like self-service business kiosks and general-news digital platforms during potential future mobile internet blackouts.
