eSIMTrends' monitoring of digital communication trends in Russia indicates that while text messaging on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram generally functions, voice and video calls through these and other VoIP applications often experience significant throttling or outright unreliability. Our data shows that since 2025, regulatory bodies have implemented measures that can severely impact VoIP call quality, making consistent use for voice or video challenging. This contrasts sharply with other regions where VoIP is a primary communication method, highlighting a distinct operational environment for travelers in Russia.
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eSIMTrends' report: What is the current functionality of VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime) in Russia?
Updated June 5, 2026
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