14 Northern and Central Counties to Experience 'Collective Mobile Network Disruption' for Two Days! Why Southern Taiwan Is Exempt — NCC Reveals Reason 'Related to Stock Investors'

The annual '2026 Urban Resilience Exercise' will take place from August 10 to 13. This year, integrated with the Han Kuang military drill, it will for the first time simulate a scenario of disrupted mobile networks. The National Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a 30-minute 'mobile communication slowdown' across 14 counties and cities in northern and central Taiwan. During this period, mobile connectivity will be limited to voice calls and SMS, with data services significantly throttled.

Why is southern Taiwan excluded from this 'network disruption drill'? The NCC's Chief Secretary has revealed the reason.

The exercise has drawn significant attention and is being referred to as a 'network blackout drill.' Defense Minister Ku Li-hsiung explained that the drill targets only specific regions and functions, during which mobile network speeds will be reduced, but fixed-line networks will remain unaffected. The goal is to test the military's command, control, and communication backup capabilities under simulated crisis conditions. This year's drill extends as far south as Chiayi County, with plans to expand to other areas in the future.

Will mobile phones lose all connectivity?

The NCC clarified that the exercise simulates scenarios where mobile networks are obstructed during disasters, or when bandwidth becomes insufficient due to disaster roaming or tiered traffic throttling. It emphasized that 'complete loss of communication will not occur.' While mobile internet may experience significant slowdowns, voice calls and SMS will remain operational.

When will the slowdown occur in central Taiwan?

According to NCC plans, the first phase of the drill will take place on August 10 (Monday) from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, lasting 30 minutes. The affected central regions include:

- Miaoli County - Taichung City - Changhua County - Nantou County - Yunlin County - Chiayi County - Chiayi City

When will the slowdown occur in northern Taiwan?

The second phase will be held on August 13 (Thursday), also from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. The affected northern regions include:

- Taipei City - New Taipei City - Keelung City - Taoyuan City - Hsinchu County - Hsinchu City - Yilan County

Why is southern Taiwan excluded from the drill?

Regarding the exclusion of southern Taiwan, NCC Chief Secretary Wen Chun-yu explained that the planned morning 10:00 drill time in the south could interfere with investors using smartphones for stock trading, potentially triggering public dissatisfaction. Therefore, the slowdown will not be implemented there this time.

Wen also addressed concerns about compensation. Since the drill involves 'network slowdown' rather than a complete blackout, and voice calls and SMS will still be available during the 30-minute period, no compensation will be provided.