2026 Network Slowdown Drill Begins Today! Two Major Retailers Halt Operations, PX Pay and Happy Go Pay Down, Impact Zones Revealed

Consumers who rely on mobile payments or online shopping should take note! In coordination with the 2026 Urban Resilience Exercise, nationwide mobile network slowdown drills have officially commenced. The first phase will take place from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM on August 10 in seven counties and cities in central Taiwan, including Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, and Chiayi City. The northern region—including Yilan County, Keelung City, Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, and Hsinchu City—will conduct the drill during the same time slot on August 13. In response to the 30-minute network adjustment and air defense exercise, major retail chains and convenience stores have issued emergency announcements outlining contingency measures.

Although the drill lasts only 30 minutes, the reduced signal speed may cause delays or failures in e-commerce platforms, mobile payment systems, and apps that depend on mobile networks. Businesses are urging the public to prepare in advance to avoid disruptions to shopping and travel plans.

Will supermarket and hypermarket payments be affected? PX Mart and I-Mei suspend e-payments, switch to physical cards

To ensure smooth checkout, leading supermarket and hypermarket chains have adjusted their payment methods. PX Mart and Da Quan Lian have announced the temporary suspension of electronic payment services such as PX Pay, Quan Pay, and Taiwan Pay during the drill. Stores in Miaoli, Taichung, Nantou, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi County, and Chiayi City will be affected during the central Taiwan exercise. On August 13, stores in Yilan, Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, and Hsinchu City will suspend services during the same time slot. Customers are advised to use cash, physical credit cards, physical EasyCards, or physical iPASS cards for payment.

I-Mei Mart has also announced the suspension of electronic payment methods such as HAPPY GO Pay during the drill. Taichung stores will suspend service from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM on August 10, while stores in Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu City will follow suit on August 13. Consumers are encouraged to pay with cash, physical credit cards, or physical EasyCards.

Are entire retail stores closing? Wan Jia Fu and Le Jia Kang implement 'entry-only' evacuation mode

Unlike supermarkets that only suspend specific payment functions, some retail stores have opted to temporarily halt all operations. Wan Jia Fu and Le Jia Kang stated that in accordance with the 2026 Urban Resilience Exercise and relevant provisions of the Civil Defense Mobilization Preparation Act, both customers and staff must comply with evacuation procedures during the 30-minute drill.

During the exercise, all Wan Jia Fu and Le Jia Kang stores will suspend indoor and outdoor operations, adopting a 'entry-only' policy to support air defense drills. Store spaces will also be opened as emergency shelters for the public. Normal operations will resume immediately after the drill concludes.

Will the four major convenience store apps freeze? Here’s how to smoothly collect parcels and buy coffee

Regarding the four major convenience stores deeply integrated into daily life, 7-ELEVEN stated that the OPENPOINT app will remain functional during the drill, but service experience may be affected due to reduced network speeds in certain counties and cities. Users are advised to avoid operating the app during the drill period. FamilyMart noted that mobile payments and cross-store pickup features via the FamilyMart app and My FamiPort app may experience temporary disruptions when using 4G or 5G. It is recommended to switch to Wi-Fi or delay usage. In-store payments will still support cash and physical credit cards. For 'Buy & Pick Up' items, customers can print redemption vouchers at in-store FamiPort kiosks. Parcel collection can be completed by providing the last three digits of the registered mobile number.

Hi-Life and OKmart jointly warned that due to 4G and 5G network slowdowns during the drill, non-cash payment methods such as credit cards, electronic tickets, and mobile payments are highly likely to experience transaction timeouts or failures. Although the OKmart app will function normally, both chains recommend prioritizing cash payments during the 30-minute drill to ensure smooth checkout.