The Federal Security Service (FSO) now has the authority to demand temporary restrictions on mobile communications during security or special events.
This new measure, which applies to LTE base stations operating on specific frequencies, was approved by the State Commission on Radio Frequencies (SCRF), according to a document reviewed by Forbes.
The directive allows the FSO to restrict communications nationwide across nine radio frequency ranges. These include the 791-862 MHz range, allocated to operators such as Rostelecom, MTS, Megafon, and VimpelCom (Beeline), as well as the 890-915 MHz and 935-960 MHz ranges, used by MTS, Megafon, and VimpelCom.
"In practice, this means blocking network access at the request of authorized agencies. If specific base stations or network segments are disabled, communication services in those areas become unavailable," explained Andoy Zolotarev, Commercial Director of Motiv.
The Ministry of Digital Development described the measure as a "technical" adjustment. They assured that it is a standard procedure to support law enforcement activities and will not impact the overall quality of communications for regular users.
However, an industry source revealed to Forbes that the FSO sought these measures due to challenges in cutting off communications during off-site events involving high-ranking officials.
Previously, mobile internet might function "slightly worse" for a day or two, but restrictions did not fully disrupt all frequency ranges.
Experts raised concerns about the broader implications of the policy. Vitaly Shub, a leading researcher at the Skoltech Center for Applied Photonics and Quantum Technologies, noted increasing friction between the needs of law enforcement and the civilian telecommunications sector.
"The radio frequency spectrum is becoming overcrowded, leaving no additional space for use," Shub explained. "This conflict will likely intensify as demand for frequencies grows."
