Russian authorities propose letting military share airwaves with civilian operators, disable wireless networks during state of emergency

Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development has unveiled a new draft of its telecommunications strategy until 2030. Among other things, the document proposes expanding the military’s ability to control civilian wireless networks, including a right to disable them if a state of emergency is declared.

According to the Russian business news outlet Kommersant, the ministry is considering letting the military use the airwaves jointly with the state security apparatus, as well as civilian wireless service operators. Frequencies designated for such joint use will be managed by a dedicated operator who has not yet been named.

Some industry insiders think that this role might be assigned to the Russian censorship authority Roskomnadzor, but the agency itself says it has no information about such a possibility.

Telecom professionals have pointed out that opening up additional frequencies, currently reserved for the military, to hybrid use may improve the quality of cellular networks, writes Kommersant.

On the other hand, the proposed changes will significantly expand the military’s control over civilian wireless networks in the country.