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Moscow to restrict mobile internet Oct 27–29 for two summits
Moscow's Ministry of Digital Development announced temporary mobile internet restrictions in central Moscow from October 27–29 to ensure security during summits of the Forum of Gas Exporting Countries and the Russia–Africa summit. Voice calls, home internet, Wi-Fi, and whitelisted services will continue operating.
Quick Facts
- Temporary mobile internet restrictions announced
- Restrictions to be implemented within Third Transport Ring
- Voice calls, home internet, and Wi-Fi to remain operational
- Whitelisted services to remain accessible
- Eighth FGEC summit to take place
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Moscow's Ministry of Digital Development warned on October 26 that temporary mobile internet restrictions may be introduced in central Moscow from October 27–29. The limitations are planned within the boundary of the Third Transport Ring on October 27–28 starting at 11:30 local time, and on October 29 from 09:30 local time.
The restrictions are tied to enhanced security measures during two international summits: the eighth summit of the Forum of Gas Exporting Countries (FGEC), scheduled for October 27, and the third Russia–Africa summit, set for October 28–29. According to reports, approximately 22 leaders of African nations are expected at the Russia–Africa summit, while the FGEC will be attended by the presidents of Iran and Equatorial Guinea, as well as the Emir of Qatar.
The ministry stated that voice calls, home internet, and Wi-Fi connections will continue operating normally. Additionally, widely used and socially significant websites and services included on a government "white list"—such as government services, major marketplaces, banks, major Russian social networks, and the messenger Max—will remain accessible.
This announcement follows similar measures taken in March 2026, when Moscow experienced mobile internet disruptions in the city centre for nearly a week. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated at that time that restrictions would continue "as long as necessary." Broader internet restrictions have become common across Russian regions since spring 2025, which authorities attribute to security concerns related to unmanned aircraft operations.
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Why This Matters
Residents and visitors in central Moscow will experience intermittent mobile internet disruptions during October 27–29, affecting messaging, mobile banking, and real-time navigation, though voice calls and fixed broadband persist. The restrictions coincide with approximately 22 African leaders and gas-exporting energy officials attending dual summits; the operational impact on businesses, supply-chain communications, and tourism logistics within the Third Transport Ring boundary will last up to three days.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 26, 2026
WireMinistry of Digital Development announces temporary mobile internet restrictions
Oct 27, 2026
WirePotential mobile internet restrictions begin; FGEC summit starts
Oct 28, 2026
WireMobile internet restrictions continue; Russia–Africa summit begins
Oct 29, 2026
WireMobile internet restrictions resume on October 29; Russia–Africa summit continues
Sources
- В Москве 27-29 октября могут ограничивать мобильный интернетИнтерфаксMediaOct 26, 2026
- В центре Москвы могут ограничить работу мобильного интернета 27–29 октябряВедомостиMediaOct 26, 2026
- В Москве ограничат мобильный интернет из-за саммита "Россия – Африка"Радио СвободаMediaOct 26, 2026
- В центре Москвы на три дня ограничат мобильный интернет из-за саммитов, на которые приедут лидеры стран АфрикиMeduzaMediaOct 27, 2026