In response to significant internet outages in Moscow, residents have turned to alternative communication and navigation methods, leading to a notable increase in sales of pagers, handheld radios, and paper maps. Following the disruptions that began on March 5 due to so-called "external restrictions," data from Wildberries, a major online retailer, reveals staggering rises in sales: pagers soared by 73%, handheld radios by 27%, and landline phones by 25%. Among these, the sale of paper road maps experienced the most dramatic increase, jumping 170%, while foldable maps were purchased 70% more frequently than before the outages.

The losses incurred from the internet outages are estimated to range between RUB 3-5 billion, equating to approximately $38-63 million. This financial impact underscores the degree of disruption faced by residents and businesses in Moscow, with an hourly loss of about RUB 41 million ($510,000). The situation highlights the dependency on internet connectivity for everyday activities, prompting individuals to seek out traditional methods of communication and navigation as temporary solutions during this crisis.

The shift towards purchasing these items calls attention to the vulnerabilities in the digital infrastructure of Moscow and raises questions about the long-term implications for technology reliance in urban areas. As digital tools fail, consumers are reverting to older technology, suggesting a potential trend that might continue if issues with internet connectivity persist or recur in the future.