Internet Under Control: The Victorious Shutdown of Mobile Service

On the eve of May 9, when citizens usually post patriotic selfies and cute photos under the tracks of armored vehicles, Moscow and several regions of the country decided: who needs the internet when there are posters and good weather? The mass shutdown of mobile internet has become a new holiday tradition, connecting the past with the future, and people—with the absence of connectivity.

Mobile operators heroically informed subscribers: “By order of government authorities” (a hint that the state cares about your digital health), access to mobile internet is restricted in areas where people especially like to gather with flags and portraits. A true example of patriotism: instead of parade stories—an offline walk. Retro experience guaranteed.

Muscovites and residents of other cities shared their surprise on social media (via Wi-Fi, of course): “Feels like I’ve switched back to carrier pigeons!” one user commented. Others nostalgically recalled how, back in the days of Victory, there were neither messengers nor TikTok—and apparently decided to repeat the feat of their ancestors.

Experts joke: if the internet were shut down as often as electricity was in the ’90s, we’d have defeated digital addiction long ago. While Moscow and major cities are learning to live without mobile internet, someone in a quiet apartment remembers—they still have Wi-Fi at home. And this, it seems, will soon be another source of pride.