Russia blocks mobile data and text messages for European roaming customers

Russia has temporarily blocked the ability to use mobile data and send or receive SMS messages for customers of Lithuanian and other European operators roaming in the country, Lithuania’s Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT) said.

Telecommunications company Telia Lietuva said the restriction affects data transfer and SMS messaging for its customers travelling in Russia, as well as those of other group countries using Russian networks. Voice calls, however, are not affected.

According to the RRT, the restriction applies to other European operators with roaming agreements in Russia.

“We were told the decision was made to ensure the safety of Russia and its citizens, and foreign operators providing roaming services to Lithuanian customers must strictly comply. Failure to do so may have legal consequences, including criminal liability,” RRT’s Electronic Communications Regulation Group head Rita Liuokaitytė said in a statement to BNS.

No complaints about roaming disruptions in Russia have been filed with the regulator so far.

Jaunius Špakauskas, head of corporate communications at Bitė Lietuva, said about 2,000 of the company’s customers are currently in Russia. “Russia has disabled mobile data and SMS for all visitors. Calls still work. According to Bitė Lietuva colleagues, this is Russia’s way of protecting against drone attacks,” he said.

Telia Lietuva said approximately 700 of its business and private customers are currently in Russia. “We regret this Russian decision and are closely monitoring the situation. Affected customers are being informed, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves,” the company said.

/www.lrt.lt