As unexplained internet disruptions continue in Moscow, residents are resorting to walkie-talkies and pagers, amid signs the Kremlin is tightening its grip on online activity.
Users in central Moscow and St Petersburg began reporting mobile internet issues about a week ago. Many found themselves unable to load websites or apps, with some losing service entirely—including the ability to make phone calls.
This week, the Kremlin stated the outages were necessary to “ensure security” and would continue “as long as additional measures are required,” without elaborating on the reasons behind the restrictions.
While Russians nationwide have complained of widespread mobile internet shutdowns for months, the current disruptions in Moscow—the country’s political and economic heart—have drawn sharper attention.
“It’s a massive headache,” said Dmitry, a 31-year-old consultant in Moscow. “I’m having trouble ordering a taxi, sending work emails, or even just messaging my family.”
Human rights activists suggest the shutdown could be part of testing a new “whitelist” system, which would grant Russians access only to a limited set of government-approved websites and essential online services.
Moscow officials have previously said this “whitelist” would include “all resources needed for life,” such as marketplaces, delivery services, and online pharmacies. However, observers warn the system would severely restrict access to the broader internet.
Internet shutdowns have grown more frequent in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In 2025, the country ranked first globally for the number of such disruptions, according to research group Top10VPN.
Russian officials have at times claimed internet shutdowns help counter Ukrainian drone attacks, though experts doubt their effectiveness.
The latest outages have particularly impacted courier services, taxi apps, and retail businesses. Russian business daily Kommersant estimates daily losses in Moscow could reach around 1 billion rubles ($12.6 million).
The disruptions have even reached Russia’s parliament, the State Duma, where lawmakers complained on Thursday that mobile networks and Wi-Fi were not working inside the building, effectively cutting them off from the outside world.
In response, many are turning to older communication methods. Data from the e-commerce platform Wildberries, cited by Russian media, shows a surge in purchases of walkie-talkies and pagers. Sales of walkie-talkies have risen by 27%, while pagers—used to communicate with clients and staff—have jumped by 73%. Demand for paper maps of Moscow has nearly tripled.
This shutdown coincides with a renewed crackdown on Russia’s online space. Authorities have already blocked WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, and rumors are growing that the popular messaging app Telegram could face restrictions as early as next month.
On Thursday, a Russian lawmaker indicated that security services might gain the power to limit VPN traffic within six months, potentially closing one of the last avenues for accessing blocked websites.
Simultaneously, officials are encouraging Russians to join Max, a state-backed “super-app” modeled on China’s WeChat, which is widely believed to be controlled by Russia’s security services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Russians turning to walkietalkies during internet outages designed to sound like questions from real people
Beginner General Questions
1 Why are people in Moscow suddenly using walkietalkies
Due to widespread and sometimes unexplained internet and mobile network outages people are using walkietalkies as a reliable backup for shortrange communication when phones and apps fail
2 What exactly is a walkietalkie
Its a handheld twoway radio You press a button to talk and release it to listen It doesnt rely on cell towers or the internetit broadcasts directly to other radios within range
3 Are walkietalkies legal to use in Russia
Yes but only on specific licensefree frequency bands Using them requires no special permit but you must use approved devices on these public channels to avoid interfering with official services
4 What are the main benefits over a phone right now
No Infrastructure Needed Works without cell towers or internet
Instant Communication Just pushtotalk no dialing
Group Communication One person can speak to everyone on the same channel at once
Long Battery Life Often lasts days on a charge with typical use
5 How far can walkietalkies actually reach
In a dense city like Moscow range is typically 13 kilometers between handheld units depending on buildings and obstacles With a better antenna or a base station at home you can extend that
Practical Advanced Questions
6 What should I look for when buying a walkietalkie for this situation
Look for
PMR446 or LPD band
Good battery life
Subchannels to filter out chatter on busy public channels
Sturdy build and clear audio
7 What are the biggest limitations or problems with using them
Limited Range They are not a replacement for longdistance calls
No Privacy Anyone on the same channel can listen in
