The Russian government has implemented a new, restrictive measure affecting mobile communication, mandating that SIM cards in phones belonging to individuals entering the country are now blocked for 24 hours immediately following their arrival. The measure is officially justified by authorities as a necessary security precaution designed to combat drone attacks originating from Ukraine. The Russian Digital Ministry euphemistically termed this procedure an "Abkühlphase" or "cooling-off phase," applicable when a SIM card has recently been abroad or remained inactive for 72 hours. The Ministry elaborated via Telegram, explaining that "When a SIM card enters Russia from abroad, it must be confirmed that it is being used by a person and not installed in a drone." During this mandatory inspection period, the SIM card is temporarily suspended from accessing mobile internet and sending or receiving short messages (SMS), reported by The WP Times, citing heise.
The implementation of this policy came after travelers arriving in Russia sometimes expressed confusion that while voice calls were operational, the mobile internet remained non-functional, preventing tasks such as ordering a taxi through an app. The Ministry defended the action as a measure to protect citizens, asserting that SIM cards with mobile internet access "can be found in hostile unmanned aerial vehicles and used for their navigation." While the standard block lasts 24 hours, the Ministry noted that access restoration is possible even earlier by completing an authorization process with the mobile provider, either via a specific link or a direct phone call. Furthermore, due to the escalating number of Ukrainian drone attacks, Russia is also reportedly mobilizing reservists to guard critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities.
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