Russia's Digital Iron Curtain: The SIM Card Blackout
Russia's latest move to control its digital borders has sparked chaos and controversy. In a bid to prevent drone activity near its borders, Russian telecom operators initiated a 'cooling-off period' for foreign SIM cards, blocking mobile internet access for 24 hours. But this measure quickly turned into a digital nightmare.
The plan backfired. What was supposed to be a temporary restriction became a prolonged outage. By mid-October, the system malfunctioned, leaving many foreign SIM card users stranded without mobile data or text messaging services. This wasn't just an inconvenience for tourists; it also impacted Russian citizens who rely on foreign SIM cards.
The concept of a cooling-off period emerged in August 2025, with the Digital Development Ministry proposing it to counter SIM cards used in drones. The plan? Cut off mobile internet access for at least five hours after entering Russia. But the execution was flawed.
To regain access, foreign SIM card holders had to complete a CAPTCHA, a task drones couldn't manage. However, Igor Bederov, a T.Hunter analyst, pointed out that some drones could still operate using Russian SIM cards or alternative connections. This raised questions about the effectiveness of the measure.
The rollout was a mess. Belarusian telecom providers warned subscribers roaming in Russia about potential issues, and the block indeed lasted 24 hours, affecting both mobile data and text messaging. Telegram channels buzzed with complaints from users, especially those with foreign eSIMs, who couldn't access mobile internet despite voice calls and SMS working.
The situation was even more perplexing. Reports suggested that the restriction had been in place for a week in regions near the Ukrainian border. The 'cooling-off period' seemed to activate unexpectedly, even when crossing borders between Russian regions, and it would reset if the device switched networks, a common occurrence while roaming.
Russian mobile operators struggled to implement the new rules. Users couldn't access mobile internet even after the cooling-off period, and SMS messages were undelivered. Only one major telecom provider, T2, managed to set the 24-hour timer, but even their users faced SMS disruptions. The system was a technical disaster.
The impact was widespread. Foreign visitors were the primary victims of mobile internet disruptions, but SMS failures also affected Russians with bank cards issued abroad. These individuals lost access to crucial text notifications, including verification codes from banks. For tourists, the situation was dire; obtaining a Russian SIM card in 2025 was a bureaucratic nightmare.
The process was arduous. Tourists had to create a verified account on the government's portal, submit passport translations, obtain a SNILS, provide biometric data, and register through a bank. Even then, mobile carriers could only sign service contracts after this lengthy process. Telecom providers pleaded for simpler rules, but the Digital Development Ministry remained silent.
The bigger picture: This SIM card blackout is part of a broader trend of internet restrictions in Russia. Since summer, authorities have been shutting down mobile internet in various regions to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, allowing access only to 'whitelisted' websites. The Kremlin's grip on digital freedom is tightening, and the consequences are far-reaching.
Controversy and Questions: Is this an overreach of power or a necessary security measure? Are there better ways to combat drone threats without disrupting innocent users? The debate is open, and the impact on Russia's digital landscape is yet to be fully understood. What do you think? Is this a justified move or a step towards a more controlled digital future?
