(MOSCOW) – A week long mobile internet blackout in Moscow has disrupted daily life in the Russian capital, forcing residents and businesses to rely on older forms of communication and navigation.
Russian newspapers reported that people across the city have been left staring at smartphones without access to online services. Email services and many mobile applications have stopped working. Some commentators joked that a carrier pigeon would work better.
Several other Russian regions have experienced similar disruptions, but the situation in Moscow has dominated national headlines. The Kremlin has suggested that the restrictions were introduced for security reasons. Officials have not clarified whether the measures are temporary or part of a longer term policy.
Russian government newspaper Izvestia reported that Moscow businesses have attempted to adapt to the disruption. Sales of Wi Fi routers in the capital increased by one and a half times during the blackout period. At the same time, businesses are estimated to be losing around 1 billion roubles each day, equal to about 11 million US dollars.
Retail data shows a sharp increase in purchases of older communication devices. According to online retailer Wildberries, early March sales compared with early February show walkie talkies up 27 percent and pagers up 73 percent.
Demand has also grown for fixed line communication. Sales of landline telephones rose by around 25 percent.
The largest increase has been recorded in traditional navigation tools. Sales of road atlases rose by 170 percent. Folding maps increased by 70 percent and printed maps of Moscow rose by 20 percent.
Russian government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta asked whether daily life is possible without the internet. The paper noted that problems with ordering taxis through mobile applications have led to a rise in unlicensed taxi drivers operating in the city.
Moskovsky Komsomolets wrote that many residents believe the problems are temporary and that people must adapt to the restrictions. However, some observers have questioned whether the disruption will end soon.
Business newspaper Kommersant warned that the popular messaging application Telegram may be blocked from April. The app is widely used in Russia. By December 2025 Telegram had around 93.6 million users in the country, representing more than 76 percent of the population.
Russian media also reported that high global oil prices are currently supporting the country’s finances. Moskovsky Komsomolets wrote that rising prices are increasing Russian export revenues and strengthening foreign currency earnings. Higher prices are also easing pressure on the federal budget and improving tax income from oil companies.
However, analysts warn that expensive oil may increase global inflation and lead to tighter monetary policy by major central banks. For Russian consumers this could mean rising domestic prices through higher fuel, transport, import, fertiliser and food costs.
In an effort to stabilise global energy markets, the United States has issued a 30 day waiver allowing some countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil that is currently stranded at sea.
Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda reported that the surge in oil prices could allow Russia to resume energy sales despite sanctions. The paper also suggested that the United States may struggle to supply additional missiles to Ukraine because American stocks have been used in military operations against Iran.
