Beware of Internet Outage! 2026 Urban Resilience Drill to Limit Network Speed in 14 Counties — Only Calls and SMS Available

All mobile users in Taiwan, take note: this summer will bring a critical exercise affecting daily communications. Recently, official websites such as the Zhonghe District Police Station of New Taipei City Government announced that the National Communications Commission (NCC) has officially planned the '2026 Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Drill.' During this period, up to 14 counties and cities across Taiwan will conduct extreme scenario drills where mobile networks will be disrupted, allowing only voice calls and SMS.

2026 Urban Resilience Drill! 14 Counties Across Taiwan to Experience 'Mobile Network Throttling' — Full Schedule of Two Phases and Complete Self-Protection Guide During Internet Outage

This drill aims to test response capabilities when mobile network bandwidth is insufficient or when disaster roaming and tiered traffic throttling are activated. The NCC is expected to officially announce the drill details on July 22.

14 Counties in Northern and Central Taiwan to Conduct Staged Internet Disruption Drills! 30-Minute 'Full Mobile Network Throttling' — Only Voice and SMS Available

According to the NCC's urban resilience drill plan, citizens' mobile networks will face throttling, simulating emergency situations during disasters or air defense alerts when disaster roaming and tiered throttling severely limit bandwidth, leaving only basic 'voice calls' and 'SMS services' functional.

The drill is divided into two major regions — Central and Northern Taiwan — covering a total of 14 counties and cities. The timing and scope for each phase are as follows:

Phase 1: Central Region — 7 Counties and Cities Date: August 10 (Monday) Time: 14:30 to 15:00 (30 minutes) Areas: Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Chiayi City

Phase 2: Northern Region — 7 Counties and Cities Date: August 13 (Thursday) Time: 14:30 to 15:00 (30 minutes) Areas: Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, Yilan County

What to Do When You Can't Access Maps During Internet Outage? Police Advise 'Pre-Saving Screenshots' — Two Key Self-Protection Tips

The New Taipei City Police emphasize that during the drill, mobile networks will be disrupted, preventing real-time access to updated air defense shelter information. To ensure personal safety, authorities are promoting two key precautions:

💡 Precaution 1: Preparation in Advance (Before the Drill)

Download and Screenshot in Advance: Citizens should use their smartphones to access the 'Air Defense Shelter Zone' on the Ministry of the Interior's National Police Agency website, or download apps such as 'Police Service App,' 'Fire Disaster Prevention e-Connect App,' and 'New Taipei iPolice App' to locate nearby shelters.

Save Map Data for Backup: After confirming nearby shelters, be sure to 'take a screenshot' and save it in your photo album. This way, even during the drill or in wartime with no network signal, you can still open your album to check the map.

Citizens should refer to the official 'Air Defense Shelter Guidelines,' familiarize themselves with basic evacuation principles, and establish correct protective postures.

💡 Precaution 2: Emergency Response (During Drill or Emergency)

Prioritize Entering Basements: When the drill alarm sounds or an emergency occurs, immediately enter nearby basements or designated air defense evacuation facilities.

Follow On-Site Signs and Instructions: During evacuation, follow the pre-saved map screenshots or on-site air defense shelter signs. Always strictly comply with the instructions of police and civil defense personnel.

Flexible Evacuation Based on Situation: If time is tight and you cannot reach a formal shelter, immediately refer to the 'Air Defense Shelter Guidelines' and perform on-site evacuation based on your current situation.

Q: What will happen to our mobile networks during the 2026 Urban Resilience Drill? A: According to the NCC's drill plan, during the designated time slots, mobile networks will be throttled to simulate bandwidth insufficiency caused by disaster roaming or tiered traffic throttling. During this time, only basic 'voice calls' and 'SMS services' will be available on mobile devices.

Q: When will the NCC officially announce the full plan for this air defense internet disruption drill? A: According to the latest information, the National Communications Commission (NCC) is expected to officially announce the complete official details of the '2026 Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Drill — Mobile Network Disruption Exercise' on July 22.