Mobile analyst Murtazin discusses potential reimbursements for disrupted mobile internet services
In recent times, Russian regions have been experiencing mobile internet shutdowns due to drone attacks, as ordered by state authorities [1][3]. These disruptions are not the responsibility of operators, but rather, they are executing government orders under emergency security measures [2][4].
Eldar Murtazin, a leading analyst at Mobile Research Group, has predicted a 33% drop in traffic for September [2]. This significant drop in traffic is expected to result in operators losing billions of rubles. However, Murtazin has stated that operators should not be expected to compensate for these shutdowns, comparing the situation to a dropped signal during a storm, where no one is compensated [5].
In an attempt to compensate for the dropped traffic, social networks and other platforms have been generating bot traffic to mimic usage [3]. This strategy, however, does not alleviate the severe impact on traffic and revenue. The shutdowns cost regional economies millions of euros per hour (up to 750 million rubles/€8.2 million) due to lost communication and business activities [1].
The disruptions cause widespread disruption in daily life, preventing remote work, and degrading mobile data traffic, although voice calls can still function as mobile networks separate voice and data channels [3][4]. This collateral damage of war curtails internet traffic sharply during outages, with indefinite or recurrent disruptions becoming common in many regions, worsening economic losses and frustrating residents [1][4].
Despite these challenges, Murtazin remains adamant that operators should not be held accountable for the shutdowns, as they have limited control over these state-mandated measures [6]. Radio Sputnik also echoes this sentiment, stating that no compensation should be expected due to the internet shutdowns [4].
In conclusion, the mobile internet shutdowns in Russian regions, while causing substantial economic losses from disruptions to internet traffic and services, are not the responsibility of operators. This situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by businesses and residents in regions affected by conflict and war.
References: [1] The Guardian [2] Eldar Murtazin [3] TASS [4] Radio Sputnik [5] Eldar Murtazin [6] Eldar Murtazin
Technology companies are not responsible for the mobile internet shutdowns in Russian regions due to drone attacks, as stated by Eldar Murtazin, a leading analyst at Mobile Research Group [2]. The general-news outlet Radio Sputnik also agrees with this, asserting that no compensation should be expected due to the internet shutdowns [4].
