Emergency events and telecommunications
Extreme weather events and natural disasters can disrupt both mobile and fixed telecommunications networks, affecting how calls and internet services are delivered.
The telecommunications sector works closely alongside other critical infrastructure providers to restore service and make the networks more resilient in the case of emergency events. If communication networks are affected though, being informed and prepared can make a big difference.
There are several ways in which extreme weather events or natural disasters can affect the operation of both mobile and fixed line communications networks used by New Zealanders.
- Signal Interference: Heavy rain, snow, fog and even ash clouds from volcanoes can weaken or block signals, impacting call quality and internet connectivity.
- Infrastructure Damage: High winds, floods, earthquakes and storms can topple cell towers, damage fiber optic cables, and knock out power, leading to network disruptions.
- Increased Demand: Surges in use during emergencies can overload networks, causing slowdowns and calls to drop out.
Telecommunications and electricity
Telecommunications infrastructure — including mobile towers and fixed line services — relies on electricity to function. If power is cut at key network sites, services can be disrupted until power is restored.
Mobile cell towers are connected by fibre to the mobile operator’s core network which is how your text, data or voice call then connects with wider networks, and how your text message or call gets from the closest cell tower out into the wider network.
All of this is powered by electricity, so if the fibre is cut along any of those routes, or the power goes out, the cell tower is offline. In the same way, this is how internet services over fixed line networks experience outages – cabinets require power to operate and fixed line connections can be damaged.
Emergency 111 calling
Emergency calls to 111 are free of charge and can be made even without credit (where allowed by device). In New Zealand, emergency calls to 111 are prioritised by the network providers, meaning they will attempt to roam to the other networks to connect if one is down.
If you need emergency help, always try calling 111 — even if your mobile phone shows no signal or your network provider appears unavailable. Your call may still connect via another network provider nearby even if your own network provider services are down.
The role of batteries and generators
Backup batteries at network sites help bridge short power interruptions, and generators provide longer support. However, both have limitations and cannot fully replace mains electricity in severe outages.
Building resilience into the telecommunications network is important, network operators are continually investing in new battery and monitoring technology, automated power management, mobile exchanges on wheels, as well as other newer technologies like satellite to provide mobile backhaul. Generators must be refueled on average every eight hours, an activity which can be impacted if roads are closed or blocked.
Copper versus fibre networks
Fibre networks tend to be more resilient than traditional copper, but all fixed networks can be affected if their power source is lost. Fibre is also easier to repair than copper and can survive earthquake and water inundation in situations that would destroy the copper lines.
The opportunities provided by satellite
The rise of satellite technology is enabling alternate forms of connection and provides additional resilience in the face of extreme natural events. Satellite backhaul can offer alternate connectivity when fibre connections are damaged, but still typically requires power at local sites.
Low Earth Orbit Satellite services are now available in New Zealand, and are providing a powerful new option for adding to your personal resilience in the case of emergency events.
How you can prepare for disruptions
Before:
- Check that your phone can receive emergency mobile alerts to stay up to date.
- Consider investing in a power bank or solar charger to allow you to keep your device charged during an emergency.
- Prepare an emergency plan for how you will communicate if your mobile, landline or internet services are not available. Share these plans with whanau and friends.
- Keep a portable battery powered radio with a spare set of batteries in your emergency kit, so you can stay up to date with emergency information.
During:
- Conserve power and network usage during emergencies by limiting non-essential calls and data.
- Use text messages instead of calls for short and essential messages.
- Have a backup plan to communicate with family, friends and services if usual networks are unavailable.