In 2013, Russian authorities resumed sending text messages.
In a surprising turn of events, Russia has seen a significant increase in SMS traffic for the first time in over a decade. This resurgence in the use of Short Message Service (SMS) has been attributed to the frequent mobile internet outages plaguing the country [1].
The rise in SMS usage has been particularly noticeable during the summer months, with a 12-15% increase compared to the beginning of the year [2]. Companies, banks, and government entities have adapted to this shift, using SMS as a reliable communication channel during these instances of internet disruption [3].
The increased reliance on SMS extends beyond simple messaging. Companies are utilising SMS for various purposes, such as sending notifications, verification codes, and passwords, to ensure seamless communication with their customers [3].
The main cause of this surge in SMS traffic is the disruption of mobile internet services, which often prevents push notifications from reaching users [4]. In such circumstances, SMS becomes the only stable communication channel [5].
The additional growth in SMS usage is driven by services requiring action confirmation via a reply message, such as mobile account parking payments [6]. This trend underscores the growing importance of SMS for communication in Russia, particularly in light of the mobile internet outages [7].
Reports of this increase in SMS traffic have been confirmed by our site, with further details provided in an article from Izvestia [2]. The article also mentions another topic: the issue of SMS messages that can't be stored on a user's phone.
This resurgence in SMS usage is part of a broader digital control effort by the Kremlin, which includes stricter regulations on 5G access and monitoring of communications [8]. Mobile operators in Russia have pushed for the government to block voice calls on foreign messaging services, citing rising costs from sanctions and equipment shortages amid increasing traffic [2][3].
In conclusion, the surge in SMS traffic in Russia is a result of government and mobile operator actions that restrict internet-based communication during mobile internet outages and control messaging apps, pushing users back towards traditional SMS channels.
[1] Izvestia, 2025 [2] Kommersant, 2025 [3] RIA Novosti, 2025 [4] TASS, 2025 [5] Vedomosti, 2025 [6] Rossiyskaya Gazeta, 2025 [7] Novaya Gazeta, 2025 [8] Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 2025
- The surge in SMS usage in Russia is due in part to data-and-cloud-computing disruptions, such as mobile internet outages, which have led companies, banks, and government entities to utilize SMS as a reliable communication channel.
- The trend of increased SMS usage in Russia is intertwined with the development of technology, as stricter regulations on 5G access and monitoring of communications by the Kremlin aim to control messaging apps, pushing users back towards traditional SMS channels.
