From January 25 to 30, night-time interruptions to mobile Internet LTE 4G service in the Pskov, Novgorod, and Leningrad regions are being reported as part of security measures. Communications industry outlets note these temporary outages and describe them as actions linked to national safety protocols.
Officials indicate the Internet shutdown is intended to preserve the smooth operation of unmanned aerial systems used for guarding airspace. A source cited by RBC suggests the measure was necessary to bolster security during visits by high-ranking government officials to Russia, underscoring the role of digital infrastructure in maintaining sovereign operations.
Two additional sources corroborate that these steps aim to shield critical zones from nocturnal drone incursions. They emphasize that the approach includes controlling drone navigation signals and monitoring with daytime satellite imagery and security cameras, while nighttime reliance shifts toward ground-based cellular networks.
In official statements, regional authorities attribute the 4G outages to ongoing maintenance and the restructuring of the radio frequency spectrum for transmitting equipment. The clarification highlights a technical workflow designed to reorganize spectrum usage, with the aim of reducing interference and ensuring reliable command and control channels for critical assets.
On January 25, Mikhail Vedernikov, head of the Pskov region, publicly warned of LTE outages between approximately 23:00 and 06:00 local time, spanning January 25 to January 30 inclusive. Similar notices were subsequently issued by the Ministry of Digital Development for the Novgorod region and by the Digital Development Committee of the Leningrad region, reinforcing the coordinated nature of the security protocol.
Earlier reports have also noted the potential deployment of drone-destruction systems within the Leningrad region, signaling a broader strategy to address aerial threats. The evolving situation reflects a layered approach to national security, combining controlled communications, aerial surveillance, and responsive defenses to protect critical infrastructure and airspace.