Residents in Moscow have turned to alternative communication methods, such as walkie-talkies and pagers, amidst growing frustrations over internet disruptions that began about a week ago. Users in central Moscow and St Petersburg reported difficulties accessing mobile internet, with many unable to load websites or use apps, and some completely losing service, which hindered their ability to make phone calls.

The Kremlin has stated that these outages are being implemented to ensure security and will remain until deemed necessary, though it has not provided detailed explanations for the outages. While internet shutdowns have been a common complaint across Russia for months, the recent restrictions affecting the central areas of Moscow, a critical hub for politics and economics, have drawn more attention and concern than previous disruptions.

Local residents have expressed their frustration over the situation, describing the internet outages as a "massive headache." The move towards using walkie-talkies indicates a significant shift in communication practices among citizens who are adapting to the current challenges, reflecting broader implications about internet freedom and government control over online activities in Russia.