Mobile communications failure

If the infrastructure of a Swiss mobile communications network operator should fail in part or entirely, this would have serious consequences for all sectors of the economy. The extent of damage depends on the duration of the outage, the importance of the affected services, and the number of affected users. Sectors that rely on time-critical communications and rapid exchange of data are particularly at risk. Failures of mobile communications networks can be caused by malfunctions of software and hardware components, by natural events, by human error, or due to criminal or terrorist activities. The mobile networks of a single operator, of several operators, or of all operators may be affected.

During the outage, no calls can be placed or received using mobile devices. Data transmission via mobile networks will also be disrupted, so that no internet-based services can be used (e.g., news portals, messaging, payments by mobile phone, ticket purchases for buses and railways, car rentals by smartphone, navigation systems in cars). Rail and air traffic is restricted, and hospitals must operate in crisis mode because procedures in all these areas rely to a large degree on mobile network communications. Telephony and internet access are possible via WLAN; however, public and commercial wireless networks, especially those in densely populated areas, will be heavily strained or overstrained. All emergency numbers will be operational, but collaboration among emergency services will be hampered.

• Blackout (Iberian Peninsula), 2025
• Outage dutch emergency line

1. Consider how you might be able to place emergency calls, if necessary, during an outage (access to a landline or a mobile phone served by a provider that is not affected by the outage)
2. Inform yourself regularly through radio broadcasts or functioning internet connections (via WLAN, fixed network, etc.) about any measures taken by the authorities. Consult www.alert.swiss.

• Emergency meeting points (EMP)

1. Inform yourself via radio and television and follow the instructions given by the authorities and emergency organisations.
2. Call the emergency services only in an emergency.
3. Use the telephone and other important means of communication only for important and urgent requirements (danger of network overload).
4. Use cars and other means of transport only for important and urgent requirements (danger of traffic overload).
5. Act particularly careful in traffic (danger due to breakdown of traffic lights, barriers etc.).
6. Inform and support neighbours and people needing assistance in your vicinity.

• Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)
• Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM)