Communication during power outages
During a major power outage, the mobile network fails within hours. With MeshCore you stay reachable – completely independent of the power grid
Why communication fails during power outages
A major power outage (also called a blackout) brings modern societies to a standstill. No lighting, no heating, no refrigerators – but especially: no communication. Mobile networks, internet, landline telephony: everything fails when power is gone.
In the Netherlands, we depend on electricity for virtually all communication. Cell towers run on power, internet cables require active equipment, WiFi routers don't work without outlets. Even if your phone still has battery, it doesn't help if the network itself is down.
In 2022, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) warned of the risk of prolonged power outages due to cyberattacks on energy networks. Extreme weather can also cause regional blackouts. The question is not if, but when it happens. Are you prepared?
What happens to communication during a blackout?
During a power outage, communication failure follows a predictable pattern:
0-1 hour: Everything still seems to work
Your phone works, WhatsApp functions, WiFi runs on battery. But cell towers switch to emergency power. You notice little yet.
1-4 hours: First failures begin
Smaller cell towers without emergency power fail. WiFi routers run out. Internet starts stuttering. Calls drop due to network overload.
4-8 hours: Network crashes mostly
Cell tower batteries are depleted. Mobile network is almost completely down. Internet no longer works. Only phones with full batteries can still reach each other locally via Bluetooth or WiFi Direct.
8+ hours: Total communication blackout
All traditional communication has failed. Phones run out without chargers. No internet, no GSM, no landline. Total isolation.
⚠️ Without preparation you're in the dark
Literally and figuratively. Without power you can't communicate with family, reach emergency services, or know what's happening. Preparation is essential. MeshCore offers a solution that works without power.
Scenarios leading to prolonged power outages
Major power outages can have various causes:
🔌 Cyberattack on power grid
Hackers can sabotage power plants, substations and distribution networks. In 2015 and 2016, cyberattacks caused major blackouts in Ukraine.
⚡ Cascade failure
If one part of the grid fails, other parts get overloaded. This can cause a domino effect. In 2003, a cascade failure affected 50 million people in the US and Canada.
🌪️ Extreme weather
Severe storms, ice, heat. In Texas (2021), extreme cold caused a week-long blackout for millions of people.
🎯 Infrastructure sabotage
Physical attacks on transformer stations, high-voltage towers or distribution cables can cause regional power outages.
MeshCore: Communication that works without power
MeshCore is designed for scenarios where traditional communication fails. The mesh network works completely independent of the electricity grid and mobile networks.
🔋 Battery life of days to weeks
LoRa radio devices consume minimal energy. On one battery they last days to weeks – perfect for prolonged blackouts.
⚡ No power needed
The network runs completely on batteries. No outlet needed, no dependence on the electricity grid.
📡 Mesh network stays active
As long as users have their devices on, the network keeps functioning. No central infrastructure that can fail.
🏘️ Decentralized and robust
If some nodes fail, the network automatically finds alternative routes. The system is self-regulating.
Why MeshCore is ideal during power outages
Independent of power
Batteries last for days. No charger needed, no dependence on the electricity grid.
Long battery life
LoRa technology is extremely energy-efficient. Hours to days of communication on one charge.
No infrastructure
No cell towers, no cables, no central systems that can fail.
Neighborhood stays connected
Organize with neighbors, share information, help each other through the blackout.
Completely free
No subscription, no provider, no monthly costs. Always works.
Privacy guaranteed
End-to-end encryption for private messages. No central party can read along.
Practical applications during blackout
How to use MeshCore during a major power outage:
-
✓
Check on family: "Do you also have no power? Are you okay? Do you have enough candles and water?"
-
✓
Organize neighborhood: "Gather tomorrow morning 10 AM at the community center. We'll share food and info."
-
✓
Share updates: "Heard via radio: power returns tomorrow evening. Save your batteries."
-
✓
Coordinate help: "Mrs. Johnson (Main Street 12) needs medication. Who can help?"
-
✓
Report safety: "We are safe. Have generator and enough food for 3 days."
-
✓
Share resources: "Who has spare gas? Our generator is running low. Can pay after blackout."
Communication options without power compared
| Solution | Works without power? | How long? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone | ✗ (network fails) | Max 4-8 hours | €20-50/month |
| Generator + router | ~ (fuel needed) | As long as fuel | €300-1000 one-time |
| MeshCore | ✓ Completely | Days to weeks | €50+ one-time, €0/month |
Frequently asked questions about communication during power outages
How long does my phone work during a blackout?
Your phone works as long as the battery lasts (average 1-2 days). But the mobile network fails after 4-8 hours because cell towers have no power. With MeshCore you communicate without depending on cell towers.
Can I charge MeshCore without power?
You can charge MeshCore devices via power banks, solar panels, or car chargers. But due to the long battery life (days to weeks), this is often not necessary during shorter blackouts.
Does MeshCore work if everyone has no power?
Yes! MeshCore devices run on batteries. As long as people have their devices on, the network keeps functioning – even during total power outage.
How do I reach emergency services without power?
MeshCore has no integration with emergency services. But you can reach others who might have contact with emergency services, or you can share location and emergency info with your network so they can call for help.
Is MeshCore better than an emergency radio?
They complement each other. An FM/AM emergency radio receives official updates. MeshCore offers two-way communication with your network. Ideal is to have both in your emergency kit.
How much does it cost to be prepared?
A LoRa radio device costs from €50 one-time. No subscription, no monthly costs. Compare that to satellite phones (€500+ plus subscription) or generators (€300-1000).
Be prepared for the next blackout
Power outages happen. Major blackouts are rare but real. MeshCore provides reliable communication without depending on electricity or central infrastructure.
Invest in independent communication. Protect yourself and your family.