Taiwan to conduct mobile network slowdown drill during air defense exercises

Taiwan is set to conduct its first-ever mobile network slowdown drill next month as part of its urban resilience exercises. The drill, scheduled for August 10 in central Taiwan and August 13 in northern Taiwan, will involve a 30-minute reduction in mobile network speeds during air defense drills.

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The drill has two purposes: first, to test whether the government can operate stably when the network is disrupted; second, to let everyone understand different backup communication channels in advance, such as switching to Wi-Fi, making landline calls, or sending text messages.

The primary objectives, according to Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Chui-chih, are twofold: to test the government's ability to maintain stable operations during network disruptions and to familiarize the public with alternative communication methods. These alternatives include using Wi-Fi, making landline calls, or sending text messages.

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Please rest assured, essential services will not be disconnected. During the drill, all emergency rescue, medical, and transportation financial operations will not be affected, including ambulance calls and 119 and 110 disaster response command communications.

Past incidents, such as typhoons damaging base stations or undersea cable breaks, have caused communication outages. This drill, inspired by international practices, aims to prepare for such contingencies. Officials assure that critical services like emergency rescue, medical operations, financial transactions, and traffic control systems will not be impacted. Citizens are encouraged to download the "Fire and Disaster Prevention" app for offline maps and to establish meeting points with family in case of communication failures.

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We hope everyone can establish the concept of communication backup in this drill. If you need to contact family members due to network damage, you can remember a few tricks: first, use fixed-line networks, switch to Wi-Fi, or change to landline phones; second, send text messages, which are the easiest to transmit successfully; third, it is recommended to download the 'Fire and Disaster Prevention' APP now, save the offline evacuation map in advance, and agree on a meeting point with family members when communication is poor.