Network Disruption Drill Was More Than Just Slowdown! Central Region Users Reveal Real-World Test: Only One Type of Message Got Through

The 2026 Urban Resilience Exercise took place in central Taiwan from 14:30 to 15:00 on August 10, featuring the first-ever mobile network slowdown drill. Residents in the central region received a national alert stating: 'Due to air raids damaging our communication infrastructure, mobile networks will be affected. For internet access, please switch to fixed-line or indoor Wi-Fi. For emergencies, prioritize calling 119 or 110 via landline.' Many netizens conducted real-world tests and reported that the experience was not merely a slowdown, but a complete internet blackout.

Users confirmed it was not just a slowdown but a full disconnection—5G speeds were nearly zero, and even LINE text messages failed to send. According to initial data from the NCC, the 'mobile communication network slowdown drill' was to be conducted in central and northern regions in coordination with the Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Exercise. However, reporters from Storm Media conducted on-site tests in Taichung and found the situation far exceeded a simple slowdown. During the 30-minute drill, all mobile signals displayed exclamation marks, rendering both 4G and 5G networks completely unusable.

The reporter also tested 'simple messages'—LINE messages and RCS SMS failed to transmit, but SMS texts were sent immediately. Numerous users from central Taiwan on PTT reported identical experiences, echoing the journalist's findings. Comments included: 'Mobile networks were almost unusable—this was a full shutdown,' '4G speeds were nonexistent,' 'They called it a slowdown? It was a total blackout,' 'If LINE can't send, how is this a slowdown?' 'Web pages wouldn't load—this is a disconnection,' 'My 5G was practically dead,' 'Couldn't even open browser homepages—how is this just a slowdown?' and 'Both 4G and 5G were down. Thank goodness I had Wi-Fi at home.'