Russia has temporarily blocked mobile data and text messaging services for customers of Lithuanian and other European mobile operators roaming within its territory, according to Lithuania’s Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT).
Telecom company Telia Lietuva confirmed that the restriction impacts data transfer and SMS services for its users travelling in Russia, as well as those from other European countries connected through Russian networks. Voice calls remain unaffected.
The RRT stated that the same restrictions apply to all European operators with active roaming agreements in Russia.
“We were informed that this decision was made to ensure the safety of Russia and its citizens. Foreign operators providing roaming services to Lithuanian customers must comply strictly — failure to do so could lead to legal consequences, including criminal liability,”
said Rita Liuokaitytė, head of RRT’s Electronic Communications Regulation Group, in a statement to BNS.
So far, no formal complaints have been submitted to the regulator regarding roaming disruptions.
Bitė Lietuva’s corporate communications head, Jaunius Špakauskas, stated that about 2,000 of the company’s customers are currently in Russia:
“Russia has disabled mobile data and SMS for all visitors. Calls still work. According to our colleagues, this is Russia’s way of protecting against drone attacks,” he said.
Telia Lietuva added that around 700 of its private and business customers are affected:
“We regret this Russian decision and are closely monitoring the situation. Affected customers are being informed, and updates will follow as the situation evolves,” the company said.
