Taiwan to simulate large-scale mobile internet disruptions for the first time
During drills in 14 cities and counties across Taiwan, mobile internet will be deliberately slowed down. The authorities want to test the readiness of public services and the population for communication disruptions caused by a military attack, cyberattack, or natural disaster.
Taiwan will for the first time conduct large-scale drills simulating mobile internet disruptions. They will take place on August 10 and 13 as part of nationwide urban resilience and civil defense exercises.
In seven cities and counties in the central part of the island, mobile internet will be slowed down on August 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In seven more northern regions, including Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan, a similar drill will be held on August 13 at the same time.
Complete shutdown of mobile communication is not planned. Operators will deliberately reduce the data transmission speed in 4G and 5G networks to simulate overload or damage to communication infrastructure.
Voice calls, SMS, and the emergency alert system are expected to operate normally. Meanwhile, users may experience issues during video calls, streaming video, uploading photos and large files, as well as working with cloud services.
The drills should not affect wired internet, home Wi‑Fi, landline phones, military networks, and special communication channels of high‑tech enterprises. Traffic lights, ATMs, fire and medical services will also continue to operate, as they use separate or wired networks.
The authorities warned that during the drills there may be difficulties with online orders, document uploads, and stock exchange transactions via mobile internet. Residents are advised to save offline maps of shelters in advance and, if necessary, use Wi‑Fi, wired internet, calls, or SMS.
Southern and eastern regions of Taiwan will not take part in the simulation this time. According to officials, these territories have already faced real communication disruptions and have experience in network restoration. In addition, drills in the south would take place during the operation of the Taiwan Stock Exchange, and mobile internet limitations could hinder investors' operations.
The scenario takes into account possible consequences of natural disasters, cyberattacks, and military actions. For Ukraine, Taiwan's experience is instructive given the risks of damage to telecommunications and energy infrastructure and the need to have alternative communication channels.
Based on materials from: Bloomberg, Central News Agency
