Moscow begins restricting mobile internet ahead of Russia's Victory Day – BBC News Russian

Mobile internet disruptions began in Moscow and St Petersburg on 5 May, following warnings from telecom operators about possible service restrictions between 5 and 9 May as part of preparations for Victory Day celebrations, a Russian holiday marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 and observed on 9 May.

Source: BBC News Russian, citing Russian media outlets

Details: Problems were reported by users of MTS, T2, Beeline and Yota services. Widespread disruptions in St Petersburg were also reported by Fontanka, a local news outlet.

BBC News Russian reported earlier that ahead of the Victory Day, the authorities are planning to make communication restrictions in Moscow "more stringent".

Sources told BBC News Russian that on 5, 7 and 9 May, the disruptions may affect not only mobile internet but also SMS messages and even access to websites on the "whitelist", a list of pre-approved online resources that remain accessible during broader internet restrictions.

Telecom operators previously sent out warnings to users that temporary restrictions on mobile internet and SMS might be in place in Moscow from 5 to 9 May for "security reasons".

Background: On 2 May, widespread disruptions to home internet services were observed in Moscow and Moscow Oblast.

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