Massive internet and communication disruptions occurred nationwide in Russia on August 9, leaving many regions without access. The cause behind the widespread outages remains unclear.
Russia has been experiencing widespread internet outages, with mobile internet networks being deliberately shut down by authorities as a security measure to counter Ukrainian drone attacks. These shutdowns, which began surging in May 2022 and became more frequent and widespread by August, have significantly affected daily life, making it difficult for people to use mobile payments, apps, and internet-based services.
The outages have been described as chaotic and unpredictable, with no consistent pattern, suggesting a lack of clear operational logic behind the internet restrictions. Experts believe that beyond military concerns, these shutdowns serve to limit internet freedom and increase state control over the population, contributing to Russia’s broader strategy of internet censorship and authoritarian control over its “RuNet” infrastructure.
Regions hit by drone attacks, such as Rostov, were particularly affected, with critical infrastructure like railway hubs and oil logistics centers targeted, prompting local internet shutdowns for security. The scale of shutdowns was massive, with most Russian regions experiencing mobile internet disruptions by mid-2022 summer months.
In addition to mobile internet disruptions, residents in various regions, such as North Ossetia, Krasnodar, Saint Petersburg, and the northern part of Leningrad Oblast, have reported issues with network access and calls. In Omsk, users have expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the Telegram messenger, with the highest number of reports recorded around 16:00.
To help citizens access major internet resources even when blocks are imposed, the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia, in collaboration with leading communication operators, has developed a new technical model. This mechanism allows citizens to access key online services after passing a Captcha check and using services from the so-called "white list" at the standard data transfer speed provided by the operator.
As a precaution, Russians are advised to prepare for the possible absence of internet access. This includes downloading offline maps, saving electronic tickets and important documents directly to the device's memory, and recording key contacts both in the phone and on a paper carrier. In case of failures in terminal and mobile banking apps, using cash, especially in small towns and remote areas, remains the most reliable payment method.
It is also recommended to pre-register for SMS alerts from service providers about potential network disruptions. By Federal Order, mobile internet is periodically suspended in several Russian regions, including Southern Russia and Crimea, for several hours or even days. The Ministry's project is planned to be submitted to the Federal Security Service for subsequent approval.
In conclusion, the main cause of the August 9, 2022 outages was the Russian government-ordered mobile internet blackouts implemented under the pretext of countering drone threats from Ukraine, compounded by broader efforts to control internet use domestically. Residents are advised to be prepared for potential internet disruptions and to use alternative methods of communication and payment when necessary.
The Russian government-ordered mobile internet blackouts, implemented as a security measure against Ukrainian drone threats, have led to chaotic and unpredictable outages, impacting internet freedom and increasing state control over the population. Beyond military concerns, these shutdowns serve to limit access to technology-based services and apps, making it challenging for residents to perform daily tasks such as mobile payments and using the Telegram messenger.
