Taipei: For the first time, Taiwan will include a simulation of a major slowdown in mobile internet speeds as part of its nationwide Urban Resilience Exercises and air raid drills. The drills are scheduled to take place on August 10 and 13 across 14 cities and counties in northern and central Taiwan.
According to Focus Taiwan, the exercise will involve deliberate slowing of 4G and 5G data speeds to simulate a communications disruption. The drill will occur in central Taiwan's Miaoli County, Taichung, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, and Chiayi City on August 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. In northern Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Keelung City, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, and Yilan County, the exercise will be conducted on August 13 during the same time frame.
While mobile internet services will be affected, voice calls, SMS messages, and the public warning system are expected to function normally. Fixed-line internet, indoor Wi-Fi, and other essential services such as emergency services and traffic lights will remain unaffected. The public is advised to avoid activities heavily reliant on mobile data during the drill.
Authorities will notify the public ahead of the exercise through Cell Broadcast Service alerts, television news tickers, and radio announcements. Upon commencement, a warning message will be issued, advising people to switch to alternative communication methods.
The rationale behind the drill is to prepare for potential large-scale natural disasters or cyberattacks that could disrupt communications. Similar exercises have been conducted in other countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and NATO member nations.
Southern and eastern Taiwan are excluded from this year's exercise due to their prior experience with real-world communications disruptions. Instead, the focus is on the more densely populated northern and central regions to enhance coordination and preparedness.
This exercise also marks the first integration of civilian and military responses. Local governments will handle both civilian and military emergency requests, with military personnel stationed at local emergency operations centers. Cross-jurisdiction exercises will also be conducted, involving joint medical evacuation and resource allocation operations.
Source: Focus Taiwan