Taiwan launches mobile network speed reduction drill, forms cross-ministry response center

Taiwan's Executive Yuan has established a cross-ministry response center to oversee the nation's first mobile network speed reduction drill. This drill is integrated into the "2026 Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Exercise" and is scheduled to take place in central Taiwan on August 10 and in northern Taiwan on August 13. The response center, located at the Taipei Main Station Joint Disaster Prevention Center, will be led by Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng.

The initiative marks a significant step in preparing for potential disruptions to communication services. Minister Chi emphasized the center's role in "preparing in advance, monitoring in real-time, and handling situations immediately." He highlighted that the drill could affect not only daily communication but also critical sectors such as healthcare, transportation, finance, and the economy. The center's objective is to ensure swift judgment and coordinated action in case of any unforeseen circumstances, minimizing potential impacts.

The response center will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the drill days. It will comprise various functional teams, including those for new communications, staff support, interior affairs, foreign affairs, defense, finance, economy, transportation, health and welfare, information and communications, finance, and telecommunications. Deputy heads and experienced personnel from relevant agencies will staff these teams to manage preparations, monitoring, and response efforts.

To ensure local coordination, the center will maintain video communication with local governments. On August 10, it will connect with authorities in Miaoli, Taichung, Nantou, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi City, and Chiayi County. On August 13, it will link with Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, and Yilan. This ensures the central government can promptly grasp local situations and address any collaborative needs during the exercise.

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prepare in advance, monitor in real-time, and handle situations immediately.