Mobile Internet outages: why it happens and what to do

A growing number of people living in Russian cities face the situation when mobile internet suddenly disappears for several hours or even the whole day. These are no longer isolated incidents, but a steady trend: in July alone, there were several times more cases than the month before. Let’s find out why it’s happening more often, how it affects your life, and what you can do to minimize the inconvenience.

A few years ago, a sudden disconnection of mobile internet seemed like a no-brainer. Today, however, it’s a regular occurrence – especially in major cities and regions where mobile is the primary way millions of people get online.

According to experts, the number of such episodes is growing month by month. In June 2025, there were more than six hundred outages, and in July there were more than two thousand. This means that the likelihood of experiencing an outage when you need it is much higher today.

Why the Internet is going down

The reasons may vary, but the most common reasons for outages are related to security measures in certain areas. During such periods, it is mobile networks that are suspended, while wired internet generally continues to function. This poses a particular problem for those who are used to using their smartphone as their only device for accessing the web:

• Apps stop updating data and messengers stop delivering messages.
• Online payments and transfers are no longer available.
• Maps and navigation without preloading stop working.
• Businesses tied to mobile apps suffer losses.

How users react

Many are starting to look for workarounds, from connecting to Wi-Fi from people they know to using SIM cards from other carriers. Some are installing messaging apps that can work offline or via Bluetooth.

Many are starting to look for workarounds, from connecting to friends’ Wi-Fi to using SIM cards from other carriers.

What you can do in advance

• Download offline maps and guides in advance for navigation.
• Have a spare SIM card or eSIM from another operator on hand. This probably won’t help, but it’s not a big deal.
• Have a spare SIM card or eSIM from another carrier on hand.
• Prepare backup ways to access the Internet – for example, a modem or router with a SIM.
• Prepare a scenario for working and living unplugged – from cash to paperwork.

Why it’s important to consider

In today’s pace, even a few hours without mobile internet can disrupt meetings, lose clients, or just cause serious discomfort. For example, you can’t call a cab or order food. Understanding that these situations can and will happen again allows you to reorganize your habits and prepare for them in advance.

However, it’s important to understand that these situations can and will happen again.

Looking to the Future

According to the dynamics of recent months, cell phone outages may remain part of our reality indefinitely. For some, this will be an incentive to look for technical solutions, for others to rethink habits and rely more on offline tools.