RUSSIAN TELECOM OPERATORS TEST BLOCKING PERIOD FOR RUSSIAN SIM CARDS - MINISTRY

MOSCOW, November 11 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) — Russian telecom operators are testing a 24-hour blocking period for the SIM cards of users who have returned from abroad to combat UAVs, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development said on Monday, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported.

"Telecom operators, at the request of regulators, have launched a new mechanism to ensure safety and protection from drones.

"If a SIM card enters the territory of Russia from abroad, you need to confirm that it is used by a person, and not embedded in a drone.

"Until then, the mobile Internet and SMS on this SIM card will be temporarily blocked," the statement said, adding that "for users with Russian SIM cards, there is a so-called 24-hour cooling period — if the SIM card is inactive for 72 hours; when returning from international roaming," it is specified in the same place.

Users can unlock the SIM card at any time by logging in via the link that the operator will send, after access to the Internet and SMS will be restored, the ministry said.

It is also possible to call a service center and remove restrictions by completing identification by phone, the statement said.

--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

TAGS: Russia, telecom, operators, blocking, SIM, drone