How to Communicate When Cell Networks and Internet Are Down

Why networks struggle during emergencies

The FCC explains that during an emergency many more people try to use wireless and wireline phones at the same time, and that increased calling volume can create network congestion. Ready.gov's power outage guidance also notes that extended outages may disrupt communications. Ready.gov's cybersecurity page lists impacts on transportation and the power grid among the possible effects of cyberattacks; that is a reason to have a backup plan, not a forecast that one will happen.

In practice, the most common problem is not total silence but congestion: calls fail, data is slow, but short messages may still get through. Plan for both congestion and a complete loss of service.

When the network is congested: text first, keep it short

The FCC's recommended practices are simple and worth teaching everyone in the household:

• Try text messaging. In many cases texts go through when calls do not, and they free up capacity for emergency calls (FCC). Ready.gov notes that texts require less bandwidth.
• Limit non-emergency calls and keep any calls brief, conveying only vital information (FCC).
• Wait 10 seconds before redialing so the network has time to clear (FCC).
• Try a different service if one fails: text, email, or a landline if you have one (FCC).
• If you are in a vehicle, place calls while it is stationary (FCC).
• Create a family group chat in advance so one message reaches everyone (Ready.gov).

What happens if cell towers stop working?

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are sent to WEA-enabled mobile devices in a targeted area. Ready.gov notes that WEAs are not affected by network congestion, but a phone that has no service at all cannot receive anything. That is why official guidance recommends more than one way to receive warnings.

Broadcast media is the main backup. Ready.gov explains that the Emergency Alert System is sent through broadcast TV and radio, satellite and cable systems, and is also used when all other means of alerting the public are unavailable. Ready.gov's basic kit list includes a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.

NOAA Weather Radio: a receive-only lifeline

According to the National Weather Service, NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of more than 1,000 transmitters covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. Pacific Territories. It broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, including non-weather emergencies such as chemical releases and 911 telephone outages.

NWR requires a radio receiver or scanner that can pick up its signal. Broadcasts are on seven VHF frequencies: 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525 and 162.550 MHz (NWS). Because it does not depend on cell or internet service, a battery-powered weather radio is one of the most useful single items for a communications backup plan. The NWS website also publishes a map of transmitters that are degraded or out of service.

Rely on official sources, and be wary of rumors and scams

When service is patchy, unverified messages travel quickly. Ready.gov recommends following your local government on social media before a disaster so you know where official updates will appear, and downloading the FEMA App, which can deliver National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations. You can also text PREPARE to 43362 for preparedness tips from FEMA (standard message and data rates apply).

Be cautious with urgent messages that ask you to act immediately or share personal information. Ready.gov's cybersecurity guidance advises thinking before you click, not clicking links in texts or emails from people you don't know, and remembering that the government will not call, text or contact you via social media about owing money. If a message claims an emergency, confirm it through an official channel: a Wireless Emergency Alert, NOAA Weather Radio, broadcast radio or TV, or your local emergency management agency.

Keep your devices powered

Ready.gov recommends fully charging devices before severe weather, minimizing use during an outage, keeping a backup power source at home and a portable charger in the car, and using low-power or airplane mode to conserve battery. The FCC adds: keep charged batteries and car-charger adapters available.

For landlines, the FCC recommends keeping at least one corded telephone that does not depend on electricity, noting that cordless phones usually will not work in a power outage. Ready.gov suggests finding out whether your home phone works in a power outage and how long its battery backup lasts, since many modern home phone services depend on powered equipment.

Write the plan down, on paper

If your phone is dead, your contacts are gone with it. The FCC recommends a family communications plan with someone out of the area as a central contact, so everyone knows who to check in with if separated. Ready.gov's planning steps also ask: how will you receive alerts, and what is your household communication plan?

• A printed contact card for each person, including the out-of-area contact (FCC, Ready.gov).
• A pre-agreed meeting place if you cannot reach each other (Ready.gov).
• Emergency numbers saved in each phone (FCC).
• Local maps in your kit in case navigation apps are unavailable (Ready.gov).
• Some cash, in case card payments are unavailable; Ready.gov notes outages can close ATMs and banks.
• If you have call forwarding on a home number, know how to forward it to a mobile if you evacuate (FCC).