Rostelecom Blocks IP Telephony for FSB Across Russia

This week, users of IP-telephony services hosted by domestic providers encountered unexpected challenges. Rostelecom, citing orders from the Federal Security Service of Russia, initiated the blocking of SIP traffic. The rationale for these measures stemmed from the use of Russian hosting IP addresses as a tool for anonymity within the anti-fraud policy applied to the Virtual PBX service.

Subscribers received notifications regarding the potential restoration of access for specific IP addresses, contingent upon individual coordination with regulatory authorities. Efforts to switch to alternative IP ranges proved unsuccessful or provided only temporary relief.

The issue has had a widespread impact, not only affecting individual users but also numerous hosting providers across Russia. Ongoing efforts are in place to address the current dilemma.

Experts, in collaboration with the FSB and the Ministry of Digital Development, are exploring strategies to resolve the matter. While a comprehensive resolution may take several weeks, all feasible steps are being taken to expedite the process.

/Reports, release notes, official announcements.