Swiss Mobile Networks Ensure Operational During Power Outages: Federal Council Consultation

The Federal Council has initiated a consultation process on a revision of the Ordinance on Telecommunications Services, with the aim of ensuring that the mobile network remains operational during power supply disruptions. The mobile network must continue to enable emergency calls, public telephone service, and internet access even during power outages.

Interested parties can submit comments as part of the consultation process, with a deadline of February 16, 2024. The proposed revision exempts internet video services (excluding videos in the public interest) to prevent network overload.

The three Swiss mobile operators must install emergency power supplies at central locations and base stations to meet the new requirements. The measures taken must ensure mobile communications for up to 72 hours during power outages or rolling blackouts over 14 consecutive days.

Operators must also ensure that 99% of their customers in every commune can use their mobile network during power grid shutdowns. Mobile operators have five years to implement measures for emergency calls and three years for public telephone and internet services.

They must submit an implementation plan and provide annual progress reports six months after the revision comes into force. Operators may be audited if there are doubts about their compliance with the new provisions.

Operators are responsible for funding the increased resilience of their mobile networks, with an estimated annual cost of around CHF 150 million..

(Quelle:Swiss Federal Council modified with ChatGPT)

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Swiss Mobile Networks Ensure Operational During Power Outages: Federal Council Consultation

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