The key facts
- On October 27–29, mobile internet may be restricted within Moscow's Third Ring Road — according to the Ministry of Digital Development, due to security at two international summits
- A complete shutdown is not planned: calls, home internet, Wi-Fi and the 'white list' of websites should work
- The Department of Transport warned of the closure of a number of streets and embankments in the center on October 27–29
Restrictions for three days within the Third Ring Road
Mobile internet may be temporarily restricted in central Moscow from October 27 to 29. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, the measures will affect the area within the Third Ring Road and are linked to ensuring security during major international events. This was reported by Life.ru.
The reason — two summits
On these days the capital is hosting two major forums: the summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum will take place on October 27, while the Russia–Africa summit is scheduled for October 28–29. A complete shutdown of communications is not planned: voice calls, home internet and Wi-Fi should continue to work as usual. Access to the most popular and socially significant websites and apps is also expected to be preserved — this concerns resources on the 'white list' used to keep key digital services running during periods of mobile internet restrictions. The exact hours of possible disruptions have not yet been announced.
Transport restrictions and the scale of the summit
The events are accompanied by transport measures as well: the Moscow Department of Transport warned of the temporary closure of a number of streets and embankments in the city center on October 27–29. Earlier, Life.ru reported the arrival in Moscow of the first African delegations — in particular, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and the head of Mali's transitional period, Assimi Goïta. It also became known that Putin plans to hold at least 20 bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
What this means for residents
For residents and visitors of central Moscow, this means that for three days mobile internet within the Third Ring Road may operate with disruptions, and travel along a number of streets and embankments will be difficult due to closures. Importantly, according to reports, calls, home internet, Wi-Fi and access to socially significant services on the 'white list' will remain available, but the exact schedule of restrictions has not yet been published — it should be monitored through official announcements.
