Russia's Ulyanovsk Oblast restricts mobile internet until war against Ukraine ends

Authorities in Russia's Ulyanovsk Oblast have imposed restrictions on mobile internet that are set to remain in place until the end of the so-called "special military operation" unless the federal authorities decide otherwise.

Source: Radio Liberty's Russian service, citing local media

Details: Local media report that the decision to shut down mobile internet was taken at federal level, citing Oleg Yagfarov, Ulyanovsk Oblast's digital development minister, during a press conference.

Yagfarov said that the restrictions apply not only in the city of Ulyanovsk but across Russia in areas located near special-purpose facilities.

The federal centre expanded what are known as "safety zones" around such facilities last week. Yagfarov said that these are permanent restrictions rather than temporary measures imposed during attacks.

Residential districts, office buildings and social institutions also fell within the blackout zones.

Local news outlet Ulpravda reports that mobile internet has been unavailable for more than a week in several districts of Ulyanovsk and other settlements in the oblast. Detailed maps of the cutoff zones are not available "on grounds of state secrecy".

Yagfarov explained that no end date has been set for the restrictions. They will remain in force for as long as the Kremlin's so-called "special military operation" – its invasion of Ukraine – continues.

Novaya Gazeta Europe reports that this is the first instance in Russia of a complete shutdown of mobile internet for an indefinite period.

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