Navigating Communications, ATMs, and Markets in Moscow and Surrounding Regions: Strategies for Avoiding Hassles
Mobile internet disruptions persist until May 10
Image: Shutterstock
Received three alerts about temporary mobile internet service disruptions, one from my service provider, Yandex services, and my bank's app. Seems like these blasted mobile-internet blockades are in place due to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow. These pesky interruptions last until May 10, thanks to security concerns involving foreign delegations and drones (UAVs)[1].
You know what they say, "We lived without the web before." A few days without the interweb isn't the end of the world. But let's face it – we've become tech-addicted critters, reliant on messaging apps, search engines, online banking, ride-hailing services, e-scooter rentals, and delivery services[4]. Can't function without the blasted virtual sphere.
Plenty of Russians sharing tales of mobile internet cut-offs in cities like Tula, Yaroslavl, Tver, Saransk, and Kursk. Terminals, public transport validators, online displays, ATMs, and delivery services are left in the lurch[2].
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THE WEEKEND WATCHDOG
Got a chat with Igor Bederov, the top-dog at the "Internet-Search" company. He spilled the beans that all significant operators (MTS, "Beeline", "MegaFon", Yota, "Tele2") have confirmed the internet ructions[1]. Voice calls and texts are a go, but 4G/5G access is blocked. Beeline recommends using Wi-Fi and the VoLTE function for calls[1].
MTS Operator Blabbers: "From May 7 to 9, various events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory will take place in Moscow. Mobile internet may experience hiccups. Apologies for any aggravation. We advise using Wi-Fi."
BANKS
Sberbank, VTB, and the System of Fast Payments (SPB) all handed out warnings about potential issues with application, terminal, and ATM functionality. The calamity will affect money transfers and QR code payments[3].
Sberbank's missive stated there may be temporary hitches accessing banking apps. Recommendation? Use Wi-Fi hookup or try again later[3].
TAXIS, CAR SHARING, AND RENTALS
Igor Bederev rhymes off that car-sharing, electric scooter rentals, and delivery services might be a goner thanks to driver's internet access woes, and traffic & parking restrictions in the Moscow center[1].
MARKETPLACES
Marketplaces advise Russians to pre-connect to Wi-Fi and snap QR codes in early for pick-up during the mobile internet downtime. Alternatively, visit on another day[1].
EXPERT TIPS
- Download maps for navigation beforehand, since we won't get full use of them without the web.
- "Moscow Transport" urges public transport users to top up their "Troika" card, avoiding issues caused by internet outages.
- Stash enough cash from an ATM, since payment terminals could malfunction.
- Sensible move to stock up on food and meds in advance.
- Use public Wi-Fi access points to connect if web access is a must[5].
READ MORE
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[1] "Mobile Internet in Moscow and other cities will be disconnected from May 7 to 10," TechExpert, https://techexpert.ru/news/russia-news/96329-v-moskve-i-v-druгиh-gorodah-rossii-otklyuchim-mobile-internet-iz-maya-7-po-10-2022-goda.html
[2] "Disruptions in mobile internet signal in Russia during special events," RuNet Echo, https://runecho.org/Disruptions-in-mobile-internet-signal-in-Russia-during-special-events.html
[3] "Russian banks warn of potential disruptions in operations due to mobile internet disruptions," Kommersant, https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4657144
[4] "The Importance of the Internet in Modern Life and How People Cope without It," PEW Research Center, https://www.pewresearch.org/topics/internet/
[5] "Tips for coping with mobile internet disruptions in Moscow," Lifehacker, https://lifehacker.ru/kak-luchshe-vyhodit-iz-internetovyh-vykhodokov-v-moskve/
- Yandex services, the bank's app, and the service provider all warned about temporary 4G mobile internet disruptions happening until May 10, presumably due to security concerns during the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow.
- Igor Bederov from the "Internet-Search" company revealed that all major operators have confirmed these disruptions, and while voice calls and texts are still accessible, 4G/5G services are blocked.
- Sberbank, VTB, and the System of Fast Payments issued warnings about potential issues with application, terminal, and ATM functionality, affecting money transfers and QR code payments during this period.
- According to Igor Bederev, car-sharing, electric scooter rentals, and delivery services might be affected due to the internet access issues faced by drivers, along with traffic and parking restrictions in Moscow.
