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Russian Mobile Carriers Waive Data Fees for State-Backed Max Messenger

Starting Aug. 1, voice calls, messaging, file transfers and other digital services within Max will be free of charge for subscribers of MTS, MegaFon, Beeline...

Russia's Planned VPN Traffic Charges Hit by Technical Delays – Vedomosti

While authorities have pushed telecom providers to limit access to VPNs, implementation has proved more complex than anticipated.

Satellite Failure Disrupts TV Service for Russian Providers

The state-owned Russian Satellite Communications Company said its Express-AT1 satellite abruptly stopped functioning on March 4 for unknown reasons.

State Duma Passes Bill Giving FSB Authority to Shut Down Internet and Mobile Services

The bill would also allow the FSB to block regular calls, text messages and even postal services, officials said Tuesday.

opinion Sarkis Darbinyan

Why Russia Can’t Quite Let Go of WhatsApp

The Kremlin's efforts to make Russians switch from WhatsApp and Telegram to the state-backed Max have had little impact on Russians' behavior.

8 Detained Over Alleged Telecom Sabotage Plot in Bashkortostan

A resident of Salavat allegedly contacted a person on Telegram who told him to set fire to the cell towers and damage a fiber-optic cable for money.

Russia Plans 24-Hour Internet Blackout for Dormant or Returning SIM Cards

The planned restriction comes one month after Russia imposed a similar 24-hour blackout on foreign SIM cards.

Russia to Introduce ‘Children’s SIM Cards’

The new type of SIM card will filter traffic, enhance parental controls and allow location tracking without a court order.

New Rules Keep Tourists From Buying Russian SIM Cards, Operators Complain

Foreign users on Russian networks have dropped to under 3 million users this year, with tourists now accounting for less than 1% of new SIM cards, down...

Russia Has Started Blocking Foreign SIM Cards for 24 Hours, Belarus Says

The blackout will apply automatically when a SIM card is first detected on a Russian network and will reapply if the card remains inactive for three days...

Everything You Need to Know About Max, Russia’s State-Backed Answer to WhatsApp

The government is pulling out all the stops to make Max Russia's "super-app." But its technical flaws and privacy risks are hard to ignore.

Regions Calling: How Russians Are Adapting to WhatsApp and Telegram Throttling

Russians reported inconsistencies in restrictions on the two messengers — and were divided on how they feel about domestic alternative Max.

Russians Should Get Ready for More Internet Blackouts and Switch to Cash, Lawmaker Says

“Don’t turn into a hipster who only lives in the center of Moscow,” the head of the State Duma’s Industry and Trade Committee said.

Russia Expands Free Public Wi-Fi as Mobile Internet Blackouts Spread

Interactive maps of newly available Wi-Fi access points have been published in many major cities and regions.

Russia Moves to Centralize Mobile Internet Shutdowns Amid Rise in Ukrainian Drone Attacks

Russia experienced 655 mobile internet shutdowns in June alone, more than double the total number of shutdowns worldwide during all of 2024.

Russia to Disconnect Foreigners Who Have Not Submitted Biometric Data From Mobile Internet

Initially, international and long-distance calling will be blocked, then internet speeds will be reduced and, after 30 days, all services will be fully...

Russia Builds 4G Network in Afghanistan as Ties With Taliban Deepen

The network was installed in four of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces and will provide mobile service for up to 10 million people.

Russian Satellite Interference Disrupts TV Broadcasts Across Europe – Dutch Media

Footage from one incident showed a BabyTV program being replaced by a patriotic song, “Vperyod, Rossiya!” performed by singer Oleg Gazmanov.

Russian Internet Providers Work to Speed Up YouTube – Kommersant

The move comes nearly a month after online users in Russia started experiencing sharp declines in YouTube loading speeds.

Ukraine Says Suspects Russia Behind Massive Hacking Attack

The attack led to large-scale failures in the services of Ukrainian mobile operator Kyivstar.

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