On Saturday, October 25, a major mobile internet outage struck Russia’s Arkhangelsk region. According to 29.ru, the disruptions began in the morning and affected everyday digital services.
Residents wrote on social media that banking apps, Google services, and cashless payment terminals had stopped working. Data from Downdetector also indicated that messaging apps and gaming platforms were affected.
Regional authorities said the shutdown was a “security measure” but did not say when access would be restored. The regional communications ministry advised people who needed to get online to use free Wi‑Fi at multifunctional public service centers during business hours.
At the same time, 29.ru notes that only a limited number of services approved by the Digital Development Ministry are available through such connections. In particular, residents can access VK, Yandex, Avito, Gosuslugi, Dzen, Rutube, and the Kremlin website.
Readers of the regional outlet said the shutdown created a sense of isolation. One person interviewed by the publication linked the situation to developments in neighboring regions and suggested the decision was being justified by the presence of strategically important facilities in the area.
“I saw what was happening in the Vologda region and knew it was inevitable, that this sad trend from the neighboring region would reach us too. It is understandable. Besides, there are important strategic facilities in the region. I hope this is a temporary measure and that it has truly been introduced in the interests of our common security. But then how do we explain that approved websites still work? Doesn’t that create risks?”