Communication restrictions during holidays affect Southern Russia

Mobile Internet shutdowns during the Victory Day celebrations are planned in Kuban (Krasnodar Territory), Rostov and Volgograd Regions, sources have reported. The MTS operator in Dagestan has warned subscribers about "temporary difficulties" with mobile Internet.

Sergey Menyailo, the head of North Ossetia, has warned republic residents that during the Victory Day celebrations in some areas there may be disruptions in cellular communications and the mobile Internet. Moscow authorities also reported restrictions on the mobile Internet in connection with the Victory Day celebrations.

A map of the Russian regions from which calls were received on May 8 about interruptions or complete shutdowns of mobile Internet was published by the "NA SVYAZI" (Connected) Telegram channel, which monitors telecom disruptions. As of 6:20 p.m. Moscow time on May 8, such regions included the Krasnodar Territory, as well as the Rostov and Volgograd Regions. There is no information on whether the problems in these regions were still present in the morning of May 9.

The restrictions on the mobile Internet have affected the operation of ATMs and payment terminals in stores – users reported that they couldn’t pay for purchases with a banking card. “Complaints have been received from many regions about interruptions in voice communication, delays in the delivery of SMS messages, incorrect GPS and navigation systems operation, as well as problems with various messengers,” the above channel has reported.

As of May 8, the republics of Northern Caucasus, including North Ossetia, where the official notice of restrictions was spread by the region head, were not marked in the above map as regions with restrictions. At the same time, at least the mobile operator has warned its subscribers in Dagestan about possible interruptions in communication on May 9.

“The MTS operator has warned its users that on May 9 in certain Makhachkala districts there may be temporary difficulties with the mobile Internet. The operator recommends using Wi-Fi,” the Telegram channel “Only Facts. Dagestan” has reported.

On May 8, Anton Nemkin, a State Duma MP, said that restrictions on the mobile Internet could be introduced after May 9 for “preventive protection.” “In the context of the modern hybrid war, when communications are becoming not only a tool for civilian persons, but also an element of combat control, this is a forced but justified measure,” the TASS has quoted him as saying.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 8, 2025 at 05:53 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.