Will the 2026 Urban Resilience Drill Include 'Internet Shutdown'? Network Impact Duration, Functions, and Scope Revealed, Ministry of National Defense Responds

This year's Han Kuang Exercise will be accompanied by the '2026 Urban Resilience Drill,' which will for the first time test scenarios involving mobile network disruptions. The announcement sparked public concern over a potential nationwide internet blackout, prompting Defense Minister Ku Yu-hsiung to clarify on the 20th that this drill is not under the Ministry of National Defense's jurisdiction but is instead planned by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Communications Commission (NCC), and does not involve a full-scale internet shutdown.

Mobile networks will be reduced to one percent of normal speed, with voice calls and SMS maintained

Lieutenant General Hsieh Chun-shan, Deputy Director of the Communications Division at the General Staff Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense, explained that the drill simulates partial server outages during wartime. Mobile networks will be slowed to one percent of 4G and 5G speeds, restricting bandwidth-intensive functions, but voice calls and SMS will remain unaffected. The impact will last approximately 30 minutes, aiming to train government agencies' emergency response capabilities for future improvements.

14 counties and cities to participate in phased drills; legislator questions intent to create 'war shadows'

The drill will be conducted regionally. On August 10 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, seven counties and cities in central and southern Taiwan will conduct the first phase. On August 13 at the same time, seven northern regions including Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu will follow. Legislator Lai Shih-bao criticized the regional concentration as politically motivated, suggesting it aims to manufacture 'war shadows' ahead of elections. Minister Ku responded that air-raid shelter drills have historically expanded gradually by region and are not politically driven.

Two press conferences starting July 22; official commitment to comprehensive explanations

Government agencies have developed contingency plans for potential impacts on daily life, healthcare, transportation, and finance due to network slowdowns. Ku emphasized that the NCC will hold a briefing on July 22, and the Executive Yuan will conduct a cross-ministerial press conference after its cabinet meeting on July 23 to provide thorough explanations. The Ministry of National Defense will also implement backup communication resilience plans during the Han Kuang Exercise.

This year's Han Kuang Exercise will be accompanied by the '2026 Urban Resilience Drill,' which will for the first time test scenarios involving mobile network disruptions.