"Mobile internet blockage in Russia will enable use of certain services"
Russia is implementing a "white list" of essential services that will remain accessible during mobile internet shutdowns, ensuring continuity of crucial services such as marketplaces, delivery services, taxi apps, and other life-critical platforms[1][2].
This move comes in response to frequent mobile internet disruptions across the country, triggered by security concerns including drone attacks and cyberattacks. The aim is to maintain minimum operational connectivity for vital services even amid shutdowns[1][2].
The Digital Development Ministry and telecom operators have arranged a technical scheme to prioritize access to these essential services during restrictions, allowing users to access them at normal speeds while other internet uses may be throttled or blocked[1][2]. Machine-to-machine networks also remain functional to maintain the operation of devices like ATMs and payment terminals[1].
During shutdowns, users can access these "white-listed" services via their mobile devices with ordinary network connections prioritized for these services. This system effectively permits continued operation of certain designated apps and websites necessary for day-to-day life, while non-essential communication and sites face shutdown or restrictions[1][2][3].
Notably, businesses are adapting to these changes. For instance, Ozon has mandated that owners of pickup points operating in the "Maximum Brand" format connect to wired internet[4]. Additionally, a scheme has been established for users to access mobile internet during restrictions[2].
The full "white list" is yet to be announced, but it is expected to include a range of services to ensure minimal disruption to everyday life during mobile internet shutdowns.
In other related news, Whoosh, a kick-scooter operator, has launched SMS-based rentals in some cities[5]. Meanwhile, sales of Wi-Fi routers have increased due to mass mobile internet blocks this summer in Russia, with a 112% increase in sales on Wildberries in the first two summer months compared to June-July 2024[6].
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that mobile internet outages are justified as they help ensure security[7]. However, experts from the Internet Protection Society (OZI) estimated the losses of one hour of downtime for the whole of Russia at 46 billion rubles, including losses for Moscow at 9.6 billion rubles[8].
Recently, a temporary mobile internet restriction was imposed in the Sverdlovsk region on July 29[9]. Mobile internet shutdowns have been regularly occurring in Ivanovo, Pskov regions, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Tyumen, and other regions in Russia over the last two months[10]. According to the "On Air" project, mobile internet was shut down 655 times in Russia in June 2025, and over 60 times in May[11].
As Russia continues to navigate these challenges, the introduction of a "white list" for essential services during mobile internet shutdowns represents a significant step towards maintaining operational connectivity for vital services and ensuring minimal disruption to everyday life.
[1] https://tass.ru/obschestvo/15430903 [2] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/29/07/2025/5f18bb7d9a79476f9521124a [3] https://www.lenta.ru/news/2025/07/29/internet/ [4] https://www.lenta.ru/news/2025/07/29/ozon/ [5] https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4872648 [6] https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4870425 [7] https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4870426 [8] https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4870427 [9] https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4872649 [10] https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4872648 [11] https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4872647
- The Russian government is focusing on maintaining essential services even during mobile internet shutdowns, which may include cybersecurity, technology, and general-news services, as evidenced by the creation of a "white list" for prioritizing access to these services.
- As the Digital Development Ministry and telecom operators prioritize access to services such as marketplaces, delivery services, and other life-critical platforms during shutdowns, it is crucial for companies in the cybersecurity, technology, and general-news sectors to adapt their services to function effectively on the white list.
