Berlin to Make Mobile Network More Resilient During Power Outages

Emergency Power and Mobile Generators

At the center of the new agreements is the emergency power supply for mobile network sites. In the future, all transmission stations classified as relevant for crisis communication are to have sufficient battery capacity to remain continuously operational for several days during a power outage. In addition, mobile emergency generators will be kept on standby, which can be deployed where needed if regular power supply fails for an extended period.

Furthermore, coordination between the authorities and the three mobile network operators active in Germany is to be significantly improved. This includes a shared situational picture providing real-time information on network functionality. The exchange of technical information about individual sites, their energy supply, and potential vulnerabilities will also be institutionalized. Berlin aims to ensure that decisions regarding network shutdowns or emergency disconnections are made in the future based on reliable data, rather than only after escalation.

Civil Protection Lighthouses in the Districts

"We have identified a need for improvement and have worked intensively with the mobile network operators in recent months to achieve improvements precisely in these areas," Giffey repeated as the key message. Reference was also made to the civil protection lighthouses already being set up in the districts. These contact points are to remain operational even when landline phones and mobile networks fail in surrounding neighborhoods.

The civil protection lighthouses are contact points in the districts equipped with their own emergency power supply, satellite communication, and trained personnel. In a crisis, citizens can report there, obtain information, or place emergency calls when the regular network has failed. With the strengthening of the mobile network, the lighthouses are to become part of a tiered system combining local assistance and overarching communication.

Background: Weeks-Long Power Outage

The background is a power outage that paralyzed parts of several Berlin districts over weeks in June and July. During this period, the mobile network in the affected areas repeatedly failed or collapsed significantly because the emergency power supply of individual base stations was not designed for such a long duration. Following an evaluation, the Senate Administration spoke of a "significant need for improvement."

Personal Preparedness and Next Steps

Personal preparedness is also to be strengthened on the part of citizens. Information campaigns are planned to educate the public on how to prepare for a multi-day power outage—for example, through power banks, battery-operated radios, and knowledge of the nearest civil protection lighthouses. The city intends to work with the districts and aid organizations on this.

With regard to the current legislative term, Giffey emphasized that the SPD-led Senate Administration views the agreements with the mobile network operators as a first step. Further measures are to follow, such as supplying critical infrastructure with renewable emergency power capacities or integrating satellite communication into regular operations. A timeline for implementation has not yet been provided.

Among the opposition and civil protection associations, the plans were met with fundamental approval but were described as "long overdue." Critics point out that many of the measures now announced could have been implemented after earlier incidents. The Senate Administration announced that it would regularly document the progress of implementation publicly.