Mobile subscribers from the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) will receive Russian numbers with the prefix “+7”. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Digital Development of Russia Dmitry Kim.
Starting May 7, DPR and LPR subscribers will automatically switch from “Ukrainian” prefixes “+38071” and “+38072”. When making calls and sending SMS messages, their phone numbers will be displayed as Russian, with prefixes “+7(949)” and “+7(959)” respectively.
They can be called directly from the Russian Federation. There is no need to change SIM-cards for cards of Russian mobile operators at the current stage.
“Replacing the code numbering of DPR and LPR subscribers on calls to Russia is a step towards simplifying life,” said Kim. – Such code numbering for the residents of these territories is a logical continuation of the implementation of previously signed agreements [о сотрудничестве между республиками и Россией]».
According to i. about. Minister of Telecom and Mass Communications of the LPR Andrey Eremenko, residents “will be able to call within the region, as well as to the DPR and Russia using the Russian code.” This, in his words, is “a breakthrough in the communication blockade.” Igor Khalepa, Minister of Communications of the DPR, noted that it is possible “to make calls not only on the territory of the republic, but also abroad.”
Representatives of local authorities and the media have repeatedly spoken about interruptions in the work of cellular communications in Donbass since the end of February. “Donetsk News Agency” reported on the poor performance of the only mobile operator in the DPR – “Phoenix”.