mobile operators Archives

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

Crimea restricts usage of messaging apps

Local authorities in Crimea have imposed restrictions on messaging platforms Telegram and WhatsApp, impacting communication for residents. This decision was confirmed by Volna, the largest telecom operator in Crimea, stating that the restrictions were enacted by Roskomnadzor, the Russian communications regulatory body. The "Crimean Ministry of Communications" has recommended that residents switch to the Russian-developed Max messenger app. Additionally, Crimea has been experiencing significant communication issues for several days, complicating the situation for its residents.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

Meet Max, Russia’s all-in-one app: From messages to spying on Russians

The Russian messaging application Max was first tested in March 2025 and is developed by Communication Platform LLC, a subsidiary of VK. It is marketed as a "national" and "unified" messenger, with significant promotion from the Kremlin. A law signed by President Vladimir Putin in June 2025 established Max as a state-owned entity, mandating its use in school chats and pre-installation on smartphones. Mobile operators are required to offer Max without consuming data traffic. Users in occupied Ukrainian territories are also required to install the app. Restrictions on other messaging services have been implemented, with security services limiting their functionalities. By mid-August 2025, Max had around 18 million users, but it has faced criticism for lacking end-to-end encryption and requesting excessive access to smartphone features. Users have reported performance issues and concerns over surveillance by the Russian government. The Kremlin has acknowledged monitoring through Max, and the app is compared to China's WeChat. Putin has ordered increased control over foreign messaging applications, aiming to restrict the use of foreign software by September 2025.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Windows Mobile Plans are being cut for good – here’s what we know, and what you can do next

Microsoft will discontinue its Mobile Plans service, with the app ceasing operations on February 27, 2026. The app will be removed from Windows and the Microsoft Store immediately. Users will still be able to connect their PCs to mobile networks, but management will shift to Windows Settings and require navigation to mobile operators' websites. Existing connections will remain functional. The introduction of eSIMs will eliminate the need for codes or QR scans, with a public rollout expected in the latter half of 2025. Microsoft will provide updated documentation for users, while mobile carriers may face challenges adapting to the new system. Some select partners have participated in a trial since June 2025, but their identities have not been disclosed.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

RIP Mobile Plans app 🪦 — Microsoft is shutting it down in 2026

Microsoft will retire the Mobile Plans app on February 27, 2026, directing users to manage cellular plans through a web browser instead. The app will remain functional for managing eSIM data plans, but adjustments will require visiting the provider's website. Windows 11 users can activate eSIMs via QR codes or manual entry, with a new feature in testing that may simplify this process. Many Windows laptops, including Microsoft's Surface Pro 11, offer 5G or 4G LTE options. An eSIM integrates SIM functionality into the device, eliminating the need for a physical card and allowing easier carrier switching. Laptops can connect through 5G or 4G LTE networks, with 5G providing enhanced speeds and lower latency.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Microsoft is Removing the Mobile Plans App from Windows 11

Microsoft will retire the Mobile Plans app in Windows 11 by February 2026 to simplify the process of connecting PCs to mobile data. Users will manage cellular plans through web browsers and the Settings app instead of the app. The Mobile Plans app, which allowed users to discover mobile operators and manage pay-as-you-go plans, is becoming redundant as these tasks can now be done online. Existing eSIM profiles will remain functional, but management will shift to carriers' websites. Notifications about the app's end of support will be sent to users, and it will be removed from the Microsoft Store after February 27, 2026. Cellular carriers are adapting their systems for web-based activations to support this transition.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Windows Mobile Plans app to be disconnected in 2026

Microsoft will retire its Mobile Plans app on February 27, 2026, directing users to cellular providers' websites and the Windows Settings app for mobile connectivity. The app facilitated connections between Windows devices and cellular networks, allowing users to manage eSIM profiles and SIM cards. The transition aims to simplify purchasing mobile plans by enabling users to share their device's cellular identifiers with operators for automatic eSIM provisioning. This new functionality is expected to be available by the end of 2025, but the capability to share identifiers is currently not available. Microsoft is testing this approach with selected operator partners to ensure a smooth transition.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Introducing Surface Laptop 5G: Seamless connectivity, built for business

Microsoft has expanded its Surface Copilot+ PC portfolio with the introduction of the Surface Laptop 5G, a 13.8-inch device powered by Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, set to ship on August 26. The new 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro are available for immediate purchase. The Surface Laptop 5G features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second, enhancing on-device intelligence and productivity. It includes an integrated 5G modem for continuous connectivity to Microsoft 365 Copilot and other cloud tools. The device has a dynamic antenna system with six antennas that adapt to surroundings, ensuring reliable connectivity and the ability to function as a mobile hotspot. It supports both NanoSIM and eSIM options and weighs under 3 pounds for portability. The device underwent rigorous real-world testing for performance and connectivity. IT departments can remotely manage the devices, and the Surface Management Portal offers centralized visibility into device health. The Surface Laptop 5G is part of a growing portfolio of Copilot+ PCs designed for modern business needs.

TrendTechie

July 11, 2025

Масштабный сбой интернета в России: не работают Steam, торренты и мобильные операторы

Users of major mobile operators in Russia, including T2, MTS, MegaFon, and Beeline, are experiencing significant mobile internet connectivity issues, particularly in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region, with complaints also reported from Moscow, Tula, and Tver. Additionally, popular online services such as Steam, RuTracker, and Zen are facing connectivity problems, affecting users both domestically and internationally.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Windows 10 KB5052077 is out with fixes for OpenSSH, Narrator, IME, and more

Microsoft has released a non-security update for Windows 10 version 22H2, designated as KB5052077 with a build number of 19045.5555, which includes enhancements for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2. The update introduces support for Daylight Saving Time changes in Paraguay and includes several fixes for the Narrator and Chinese Input Method Editor (IME). It resolves issues with the Narrator's announcement of Chinese IME candidate windows and improves the IME's responsiveness and color contrast. Additionally, it addresses an issue causing the Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) to become unresponsive and fixes a problem with the Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH) service. Two known issues remain, one related to Citrix components affecting updates and another concerning the System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker. The update is available through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, and it is optional as it does not include mandatory security updates.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Windows 10 KB5052077 update fixes broken SSH connections

Microsoft has released the optional KB5052077 preview cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2, which includes nine bug fixes and enhancements, notably addressing an SSH connection issue acknowledged in November. This issue affects a limited number of devices on Windows enterprise, IoT, and education editions, with ongoing investigations into potential impacts on Windows Home or Pro editions. The update elevates Windows 10 22H2 systems to Build 19045.5555 and includes fixes for the Desktop Window Manager, Chinese IME responsiveness, and color contrast issues. Two known issues are associated with KB5052077: one involving Citrix components that may obstruct the installation of the January 2025 Windows security update, and another related to a System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker services issue generating 'Event 7023' errors. Over 60% of Windows systems globally still run on Windows 10, despite its approaching end of support, while certain Long-Term Servicing Channel and Long-Term Servicing Branch releases will continue to receive updates beyond October 2025.