What happens with the Internet, phone service in Hungary, if there was no power?

All over Europe, emergency plans are being prepared for winter. In Hungary, the internet or telephone might be in danger in case of energy shortage.

No power, no telecommunication?

According to Reuters, mobile phones could go dark around Europe this winter if power cuts or energy rationing knock out parts of the mobile networks across the region. The European state bodies of the individual countries have begun preparing the emergency plans for the rotational disconnection of the power supply. The electricity would be switched off at pre-announced times, alternating by region, with the exception of essential services such as hospitals or the police. However, the telecommunications sector fears that they will have difficulties. This is why discussions have begun at European level between telecommunications companies. They plan to bring telecommunications infrastructure to protected consumers, avoiding potential disconnection.

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No panic, but preparations in Hungary

Although there is no panic in Hungary on the surface, preparations have begun. In the country, no one worries about the lack of electricity. The energy office, however, should plan ahead in which order certain consumption blocks will be switched off as the last step in a so-called rotational shutdown order if an emergency power supply system is needed. In addition, there is an attempt to position the telecommunications sector in such a way that all elements of the network are classified as protected consumers, that is, they cannot be disconnected.

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Hungarian Telekom is trying to reduce energy consumption

The Hungarian Telekom told Portfolio about their plans to reduce the company’s energy consumption. Moreover, they look for opportunities to use renewable energy sources. In recent years, Telekom tried to shift its customers’ data usage from 3G technology to the 4G network, which has almost nationwide coverage and provides a better customer experience. Finally, they terminated their service on June 30 this year on their redundant 3G network. Turning off barely used 3G definitely means energy savings, the company said. In addition, the company’s goal is to make more different green/renewable energy sources part of their consumption.

Telekom is also prepared to handle power outages. The company’s service and network operator center maintains regular contact with the regionally competent energy providers. Through the connection, it acquires information about planned power outages, so it is constantly preparing for them by providing an alternative energy source.