Mobile internet speeds in central Moscow have dropped by up to 17 times following security restrictions introduced for an international summit, according to local reports.
The sharp deterioration in mobile network performance has affected both local residents and visitors to the capital. The telecommunications disruption coincided with restrictions on vehicular traffic, which closed off several major streets in the central part of the city.
The connection problems were reported by the local news channel Ostorozhno, Moskva. The outlet stated that while the severity of the slowdown varied across different municipal districts, smartphone users recorded a noticeable slowdown in data transmission, experiencing substantial delays when loading online content.
Ministry warning and summit security
Earlier, the Ministry of Digital Development warned that mobile internet access could face restrictions from October 27 to October 29 within the Third Transport Ring. Officials stated that the measures were directly linked to security precautions during the Russia-Africa summit.
The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, widely known as Mintsifry, is the federal government department responsible for regulating telecommunications networks, digital infrastructure, and mass communications across Russia. The Third Transport Ring, where the network curbs are focused, is an orbital motorway spanning approximately 35 kilometres that encloses the capital's historic and administrative centre.
International forum and security protocols
The Russia-Africa summit is a high-level diplomatic conference established to foster economic, political, and strategic partnerships between the Russian Federation and African nations. The multilateral forum brings together foreign heads of state, cabinet ministers, and commercial delegations to negotiate trade agreements, energy projects, and regional security initiatives.
Major international diplomatic gatherings in urban centres regularly prompt comprehensive security operations. These procedures frequently combine temporary physical checkpoints and road blockades with electronic countermeasures, which can dampen local radio frequencies and cellular signals to protect official delegations and secure urban airspace.
According to the advisory from the Ministry of Digital Development, the mobile internet curbs within the Third Transport Ring are scheduled to remain in effect through October 29.
