Emergency Radio vs Mobile Phone
Why you cannot trust your mobile phone during a crisis. Discover why emergency radio like MeshCore is the only reliable option
Why mobile networks are unreliable in emergencies
We're used to being always reachable. Our smartphone is our lifeline: calling, WhatsApp, internet – everything works. But this reassuring certainty is an illusion. During a major power outage, natural disaster or infrastructure attack, the mobile network is the first to fail.
The problem is that mobile phones are completely dependent on external infrastructure: cell towers, power, providers, internet connections. If one link fails, your phone stops working. This isn't theory – it happens regularly during major outages.
In this comparison we explain why emergency radio technology like MeshCore works when mobile networks fail. We look at real scenarios and show why independent communication is essential for emergency preparedness in the Netherlands.
When mobile phones don't work
There are countless scenarios where your mobile phone becomes useless:
Power Outage
Cell towers have battery backup for 4-8 hours. After that: no signal. During major blackout, mobile network is dead within hours.
Network Overload
During disasters everyone calls at once. Network becomes overloaded and crashes. That's why you often have no signal during New Year's Eve.
Physical Damage
Cell towers damaged by storm, flooding, earthquake. No tower = no signal. Repairs take days to weeks.
Provider Outage
Software bugs, configuration errors, cyberattacks on providers. KPN outage 2022 affected millions in the Netherlands.
Internet Backbone Failure
Mobile networks rely on internet backbone. If fiber cables are cut, or data centers fail, nothing works anymore.
Deliberate Sabotage
Cables cut, cell towers disabled. During war or terrorism this happens first. Network is vulnerable.
What is emergency radio?
Emergency radio is communication technology that works independently without external infrastructure. It needs no cell towers, no providers, no internet. There are different types of emergency radio technology, each with pros and cons.
Types of emergency radio technology
1. FM/AM Radio (receive only)
Traditional radio to receive news and emergency broadcasts. Advantage: cheap and simple. Disadvantage: you can't communicate yourself, only listen.
2. CB Radio / Walkie Talkie
Two-way radio for voice communication. Advantage: simple and direct. Disadvantage: limited range, no privacy, no text messages.
3. LoRa Mesh Network (MeshCore)
Modern mesh network technology. Advantage: long range via network, text messages, encryption, groups, location sharing. Disadvantage: needs network of users. This is the most advanced and future-proof option. Learn more on MeshCore page.
Mobile Phone vs Emergency Radio (MeshCore): Comparison
| Feature | Mobile Phone | MeshCore Emergency Radio |
|---|---|---|
| External infrastructure needed | Yes (cell towers, providers) | No (fully independent) |
| Works during power outage | No (max 4-8 hours) | Yes (days to weeks) |
| Works during network overload | No (crashes when busy) | Yes (decentralized) |
| Monthly costs | Yes (subscription €10-50) | No (completely free) |
| Privacy during outage | Possible eavesdropping | E2E encryption |
| Reliability in crisis | Very unreliable | Very reliable |
Why MeshCore is superior to mobile phones
Works without power
Battery life of days to weeks. No cell towers that need power. Mobile networks fail after 4-8 hours without power.
No infrastructure needed
Fully decentralized network. No providers, no cell towers, no servers. Nothing that can break or fail.
No subscription costs
One-time purchase, then free forever. Mobile costs €10-50 per month, year after year.
Privacy guaranteed
End-to-end encryption. Providers and governments cannot eavesdrop. With mobile they can.
Growing network
The network becomes stronger as more people join in the Netherlands. Mobile network becomes weaker during crisis (overload).
Resistance to attacks
Decentralized network is nearly impossible to disable. Mobile infrastructure is easy to sabotage.
Real scenarios: Mobile fails, MeshCore works
Concrete examples where your mobile is useless, but MeshCore works:
Scenario: Major power outage (blackout)
Mobile: After 4-8 hours cell towers fail. Phone service stops working. You're isolated.
✓ MeshCore: Keeps working. Devices have days to weeks of battery. You stay in contact with family and neighbors.
Scenario: Flooding damages infrastructure
Mobile: Cell towers underwater, cables broken. Repairs take weeks. No communication possible.
✓ MeshCore: As long as devices are dry, the network works. Messages hop via devices on higher ground.
Scenario: Cyberattack on provider
Mobile: KPN/Vodafone/T-Mobile hacked or disabled. Network is offline. This happened to KPN in 2022.
✓ MeshCore: Fully independent of providers. No central point of failure. Network keeps running.
Scenario: Network overload during disaster
Mobile: Everyone calls at once. Network crashes from overload. Even 112 emergency doesn't work.
✓ MeshCore: Decentralized network. No central bottleneck. More users make the network stronger.
Frequently asked questions
Is mobile really that unreliable in emergencies?
Yes, absolutely. Every year there are major mobile outages in the Netherlands. During a real crisis (blackout, disaster) mobile network is one of the first things to fail. This isn't theory, this is reality.
Should I throw away my smartphone then?
No! Use your smartphone daily. But make sure you have a backup for emergencies. MeshCore works via your smartphone (via Bluetooth) or standalone. It's supplementary, not replacing.
How many people use MeshCore in the Netherlands already?
The network is growing fast. In The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other cities there are active communities in the Netherlands. The more people join, the stronger the network.
Does 112 emergency still work during mobile outage?
During complete mobile outage, 112 doesn't work either. Emergency services have their own communication (C2000), but you can't reach them via your phone. This is a major problem.
What does MeshCore cost compared to mobile?
Mobile: €10-50 per month = €120-600 per year. MeshCore: one-time €50-80, then completely free. No subscription, no provider. See the devices page for recommended devices.
Can I combine MeshCore and mobile?
Yes, that's the smartest strategy! Use your mobile daily, but have MeshCore as backup for emergencies. We recommend having both.
Prepare for the inevitable
Mobile networks fail regularly and are very vulnerable in crisis situations. MeshCore emergency radio works always – without infrastructure, without subscription, without single point of failure.