Not Just Kumamoto Earthquake Has Free Wi-Fi! Taiwan’s 'Network Outage' Also Offers Free Internet – 4 Steps to Connect

On July 28, 2024, a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, causing extensive damage and temporarily disrupting mobile communication services in several areas. Faced with sudden network outages, netizens quickly shared emergency tips on social media platforms. It was revealed that during major disasters in Japan when mobile networks fail, people can use the emergency Wi-Fi service '00000JAPAN,' jointly provided by Japanese telecom operators. By simply turning on Wi-Fi and connecting to this network, users can access the internet for free—no password required—to send emergency messages or notify family of their safety. This practical information sparked widespread discussion and was hailed by many as a 'lifeline in critical moments.'

Japan's 7.1 earthquake causes communication blackout! Learn how to connect and seek help using free '00000JAPAN' Wi-Fi when visiting Japan, plus a 4-step guide to Taiwan's disaster roaming settings.

A user posted on Threads explaining that during major natural disasters in Japan, when mobile communication is disrupted, major local telecom providers jointly activate a disaster roaming service named '00000JAPAN.' Affected residents and travelers can turn on their smartphone Wi-Fi, search for this network name, and connect for free without entering any password. This allows real-time emergency alerts or safety notifications to loved ones.

The post went viral, sparking widespread discussion. Many users commented, 'I didn’t know about disaster roaming,' 'I’ll save these two images,' 'Printing this for backup—thanks for sharing,' 'Truly a lifeline,' and 'Such a useful tip.' The original poster also added that Taiwan has a similar disaster roaming mechanism in place, hoping it remains unused while praying for safety in both Taiwan and Japan.

What is 'Disaster Roaming'? Taiwan's NCC Establishes a 'Disaster Roaming' Mechanism—4 Steps to Enable Emergency Phone Settings

The National Communications Commission (NCC) explained that natural disasters such as typhoons, heavy rains, or earthquakes may damage mobile base stations in certain areas, affecting communication services. To enhance communication resilience during disasters, the NCC has coordinated with domestic telecom operators to establish a 'disaster roaming' mechanism.

The NCC stated that no special settings are required under normal circumstances. When the government announces the activation of disaster roaming, users simply need to follow instructions to enable 'data roaming' on their smartphones. During the disaster roaming period, services continue under the user’s original telecom plan, with no additional roaming charges incurred.

How to Enable Disaster Roaming on Your Smartphone?

The NCC shared a 4-step setup guide for enabling disaster roaming:

iOS System Setup (4 Steps):

- Step 1: Open 【Settings】 - Step 2: Tap 【Cellular】 - Step 3: Tap 【Cellular Data Options】 (For dual-SIM phones, first select the primary SIM card to enter the menu) - Step 4: Enable 【Data Roaming】

Android System Setup (4 Steps):

- Step 1: Open 【Settings】 - Step 2: Tap 【Connections】 (Name may vary by brand) - Step 3: Tap 【Mobile Networks】 - Step 4: Enable 【Data Roaming】

Taiwan disaster roaming setup steps. (Image/Source: NCC)

Q1: When in Japan during a major earthquake and communications fail, how can I use the free '00000JAPAN' Wi-Fi?

A: When a major disaster occurs in Japan and communications are disrupted, telecom operators activate '00000JAPAN.' Simply turn on your phone’s Wi-Fi, search for and select '00000JAPAN'—no password needed—to connect for free and send emergency messages or check in with family.

Q2: If an earthquake damages base stations in Taiwan, how do I enable 'disaster roaming'?

A: iOS users go to 'Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options' and enable 【Data Roaming】; Android users go to 'Settings > Connections/Mobile Networks' and enable 【Data Roaming】 to complete the setup.

Q3: Does Taiwan's disaster roaming incur additional charges?

A: Taiwan's disaster roaming is a disaster-resilience mechanism coordinated by the NCC with telecom operators, designed to provide emergency communication services in affected areas. There are no extra charges for using this service during emergencies.