As internet access becomes increasingly unreliable across Russia, a surprising proposal has emerged from within the Kremlin: the reintroduction of public payphones, now equipped with internet connectivity. The suggestion, put forward by Duma deputy Igor Antropenko of the United Russia party, aims to provide citizens with a backup communication method during periods of network disruptions. This move underscores the growing concerns about digital access and control within the country, particularly as outages become more frequent, and widespread.
Reports indicate that Moscow residents have been experiencing significant internet problems for days, disrupting daily life. Point-of-sale systems are reverting to cash-only transactions, and essential apps for services like fitness centers, banking, ride-sharing, and delivery are malfunctioning. The disruptions aren’t limited to the capital. other cities and regions are also reporting intermittent or complete loss of internet service. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, these outages are a necessary consequence of defending against Ukrainian attacks and will continue as long as deemed necessary. This explanation, however, does little to alleviate the frustration of citizens facing practical difficulties.
A Return to Analog in a Digital Age
Antropenko, speaking to the state-run news agency Tass, argued that restoring payphones with internet access “enables citizens to stay connected even during shutdowns and ensures a proper level of security.” He is a member of the State Duma representing Omsk, having been elected in 2021. Igor Antropenko previously served as a deputy in the Omsk City Council from 2012 to 2016 and unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Omsk in both 2017 and 2021. He has been subject to international sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Ukraine, and New Zealand in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as detailed by Wikipedia.
The proposal to revive payphones isn’t simply a nostalgic gesture. It reflects a broader trend of increasing state control over Russia’s internet infrastructure. Since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has steadily tightened its grip on online communication, blocking numerous messaging services and websites. Accessing blocked content often requires the utilize of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which the government is actively attempting to suppress. The situation has escalated to the point where even searching for information deemed “extremist” by authorities can now carry legal penalties.
Censorship and Control Intensify
The definition of “extremist” is broadly applied, particularly targeting online resources critical of the government, including those associated with the late Alexei Navalny and his Anti-Corruption Foundation. This escalating censorship is occurring alongside reports that Russia’s intelligence services are seeking greater control over the country’s communication networks, raising concerns about a potential “complete shutdown” of the internet. The increasing reliance on domestic internet infrastructure, coupled with restrictions on VPNs, is effectively creating a “splinternet” – a fragmented digital landscape where access to information is heavily controlled by the state.
The current internet disruptions are impacting more than just convenience. Businesses are struggling to process transactions, and citizens are finding it difficult to access essential services. The situation highlights the vulnerability of a population increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, and the potential for the government to leverage these vulnerabilities for political control. The move to reinstate payphones, while seemingly anachronistic, could be seen as a pragmatic attempt to mitigate the impact of these disruptions and maintain a basic level of communication for citizens.
What’s Next for Russia’s Digital Landscape?
The future of internet access in Russia remains uncertain. The government’s continued efforts to control the flow of information, coupled with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggest that disruptions and restrictions are likely to persist. The implementation of internet-enabled payphones, if realized, would represent a significant shift in the country’s digital infrastructure, offering a limited but potentially vital alternative communication channel. Further developments will likely hinge on the evolving geopolitical situation and the Kremlin’s commitment to maintaining control over its digital space.
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