Russia’s internet shutdowns push state firms back to landline phones

Russian state-owned companies spent more than three times as much on landline telephones in the first eight months this year as in the same period in 2025, as mobile internet shutdowns affecting nearly 80% of the country push ministries and businesses to seek alternatives to disrupted networks. Procurement data cited by the Russian business daily Vedomosti show spending at 118 million roubles (€1.26 million) from January through August, with the number of purchase tenders up 12.5%. Purchases are concentrated in the country’s largest business and infrastructure hubs.