If you’re bored and want to watch a good movie, whip out your phone and watch “Leave the World Behind,” …if you have cell service. The movie starts with cell phones losing signal due to some mysterious event that disrupts all forms of communication and people have to survive without their phones. Well, enough movie talk, let’s deal with reality. Today, nationwide customers of major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, got a major wake-up call, no pun intended, when their phones suddenly stopped working. Users received an SOS only message on the status bar of their cell phone. AT&T directed their customers attempting to make phone calls to connect their phones to Wi-Fi.
In today’s interconnected world, where modern technology facilitates instantaneous communication over distances, it’s easy to take our connectivity for granted. However, these recent events serve as a stark reminder that our reliance on our primary communication systems comes with inherent vulnerabilities. When widespread communications outages occur, it is imperative that we manage our expectations and prepare for the reality of the situation.
Our modern world thrives on the seamless flow of information facilitated by the industry giants and we rely on them to keep everything up and running. Chances are none of us have the technical expertise or resources necessary to maintain or repair these systems when they go down. Consequently, in the event of an unforeseen outage, or even a deliberate disruption, we find ourselves unable to restore our communication capabilities independently. To mitigate this vulnerability, it’s crucial we take time to develop an overall communication preparedness plan.
Our cell phone’s reliance on cellular or internet connectivity presents a fundamental limitation. However, because smartphones offer convenience and accessibility, some of us may rely on them exclusively for task such as navigation. This could be a problem in scenarios where connectivity is limited or technology fails. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take a multi-tiered approach to everything, including navigation preparedness. This can be as simple as incorporating backup solutions such as a standalone GPS unit and traditional paper maps.
As a general rule of thumb, reliance on any single device for particular task leaves us exposed to the inherent risks of technology dependence. Even standalone GPS units have their limitations. They rely on dedicated satellite systems to deliver accurate location information. While we’re talking about satellites, we might as well address satellite phones as backup communications. A satellite phone works somewhat like a regular cellphone, but instead of relying on cell towers on the ground, it connects to satellites orbiting the Earth. When you make a call or send a message on a satellite phone, it sends signals to a satellite in space instead of to a nearby cell tower. The satellite receives your signal and then relays it to a ground station on Earth. The ground station then connects your call or message to the regular telephone network, allowing you to communicate with people just like you would with a normal cellphone. If the telephone network is down, you’re right back where you started.
In addition to costing a pretty penny, satellite phones obviously need the satellites in order to operate, hence the name. With that in mind, we must also consider the vulnerabilities of satellites. Solar flares and radiation storms can damage satellite electronics, leading to temporary or permanent disruptions in service. Satellites, like any other technology, are also vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers could gain access to satellite systems and cause service interruptions, or even take control of a satellite. Geomagnetic storms can also generate electrical currents in satellites and disrupt their operations. You get the point, a lot can go wrong up there.
Now let’s get to the human aspect of things and talk about some potential solutions. When faced with widespread outages, the inability to reach loved ones or essential contacts can lead to a lot of stress and uncertainty. One way to counteract this is to proactively identify your “critical bubble.” Your critical bubble is that select group of friends, family, or acquaintances that you interact with in daily life and will ultimately be working with to survive the situation.
Establishing a predetermined survival plan within this critical bubble ensures that you all have a definitive course of action when primary communication methods fail. This could involve alternative means of communications such as radios, designating a specific meeting point, leaving handwritten notes or messages in designated locations, or utilizing a network of trusted couriers. By initiating a predetermined alternative plan of action, we can maintain peace of mind in knowing that our backup communication channels will be activated in a timely manner when needed.
Two-way radios such as portable HAM radios, FRS, GMRS, or CB radios are a good way to communicate over short distances when cell phone networks are unavailable because they operate on radio frequencies and don’t rely on cellular networks. Most handheld radios can operate independently of radio towers, cell towers, satellites, or any other infrastructure, as long as they are within line of sight of each other making them a reliable option during emergencies. If you haven’t read my previous blog “What’s a Party Without the Radio,” check it out. In the event of a partial outage, one option to consider is installing a virtual phone number application such as Hushed or Google Voice. This way, if you lose service, but the person you’re trying to reach has service, you will be able to make and receive calls and text messages so long as you have internet access.
In conclusion, relying solely on our primary communication methods leaves us vulnerable during crises. With proper pre-planning, we can establish protocols to mitigate the impact of communication disruptions, ensuring that while it may be inconvenient, it won’t be a big deal that we can’t communicate across the state. Depending on the level of chaos surrounding us, conditions may be so volatile and dangerous that across the state might as well be across the globe. What truly matters is our capacity to connect with our people in close geographical proximity, enabling mutual assistance without unnecessary the exposure to risk by traveling. It is imperative that those beyond our immediate geographical sphere of influence also have protocols in place to navigate the situation with the people they have around them. We must trust in their capability and competence to survive the situation and the best way the ensure that is by training in advance. It is important to, right now, build our resilience and adaptability within our social circles by working with the people we care about to establish communication protocols and emergency response plans in advance of a crisis. By taking these simple steps, we can enhance our collective preparedness and strengthen bonds within our circle.