Background information
This risk means that all forms of communication including landline phones, mobile signal and internet would be lost at the same time. The loss of communications is a form of system failure that could occur due to several reasons. An example is a major storm can cause significant disruption to broadband and mobile infrastructure potentially leading to outages for customers.
We are increasingly reliant on the use of mobile forms of communication (mobile phones and access to the internet) that even localised outages can have a significant impact on those affected.
The consequences of a widespread telecommunications outage would depend on the scale and duration of the incident. Main consequences for any outage would include being unable to use normal forms of communication (mobile, landline or the internet) including the ability for the public to phone 999.
Often those living in rural areas are likely to affected for longer and last to be reconnected than those in more urban areas.
Local Risk Rating
Very high
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
We recognise that responding during any telecommunication incident would be challenging as alternative methods of communication would need to be utilised (radios, etc).
To ensure we are as prepared as we can be, we work with telecommunication companies to understand the risk of telecommunication outages as well as better understand the interdependences between different organisations.
We also have procedures to help manage long term telecommunication outages.
Associated Risks
- Cyber attack – Telecommunications Incident
- Storms
- Severe Space Weather
- Failure of the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS)
Before a telecommunications incident
Consider the impact loss of mobile/internet would have on you personally
If you are vulnerable/live with vulnerable people, ensure you are signed up to priority registers
If there is a telecommunications incident
