When internet infrastructure collapses

What occurs when internet infrastructure collapses?

Internet connectivity seems guaranteed. Until it vanishes. A widespread internet failure can materialise without warning – consequences proving more severe than anticipated. No WhatsApp, no email, no news feeds, no household contact. During emergencies, communication becomes paramount. Yet what occurs when internet fails and connectivity disappears?

This represents reality, not hypothesis. Blackouts, cyber attacks targeting critical systems, extreme weather, or carrier technical failures – events occurring more frequently than recognised. October 2021 saw routing failures disable numerous websites globally. The O2 incident in 2018 left millions without service for an entire day. Storm Arwen in 2021 eliminated power and communications across Northern England and Scotland for days.

What causes internet failure?

Various scenarios can trigger internet collapse. Some prove temporary, others persist for days or weeks:

1. Extended blackouts

When mains power fails, cellular towers also cease functioning. Most towers possess backup batteries, typically lasting several hours only. During prolonged blackouts, telephone and internet services become completely unavailable. Storm Arwen left thousands without power or communications for up to a week.

2. Cyber attacks targeting infrastructure

Malicious actors can disable entire networks through coordinated attacks. Ransomware incidents targeting critical infrastructure increase annually. Attacks on major internet carriers can disconnect millions simultaneously.

3. Extreme weather events

Flooding, storms, and other severe weather can physically damage infrastructure. Cables sustain damage, exchanges flood, towers collapse. Climate change increases extreme weather frequency throughout the UK.

4. Carrier technical failures

Even absent external causes, carriers can fail. Technical faults, human error, or damaged cables – regular occurrences. Usually resolved within hours, sometimes requiring longer. The O2 failure in December 2018 persisted an entire day, affecting over 30 million customers.

The solution: emergency communications without internet

LocalMesh represents a community initiative preparing the UK for communication without internet. We help people utilise the MeshCore network – an alternative communication system operating independently of internet, carriers, and mains electricity.

How does MeshCore function?

MeshCore constitutes a mesh network EMPloying LoRa radio technology. Rather than depending on centralised infrastructure (cellular towers or internet cables), devices connect directly with each other. Each device relays messages to other nearby devices, forming an extensive network.

Why does emergency communication matter?

During crises, communication proves essential. You need confirmation of household safety. You need ability to request assistance when necessary. You need situational updates. Without communication, panic and confusion become inevitable.

When Storm Arwen struck Northern England and Scotland in November 2021, telecommunications failed across many areas. People couldn't call for assistance. Emergency services struggled with coordination. Alternative communications could have significantly improved outcomes.

What can you accomplish with MeshCore during outages?

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  Exchange text messages with household, friends, or neighbours without internet or telephone service
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  Share your position so people know your location
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  Request assistance during emergency situations
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  Receive updates about situations from others in the network
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  Coordinate with your neighbourhood to navigate crises collectively

How to prepare for internet failure

Preparation proves everything. You cannot wait until internet fails before taking action. LocalMesh helps you establish a backup communication system now.

Stage 1: obtain an emergency radio device (LoRa)

You require a compact emergency radio device capable of communicating with the MeshCore network. These devices cost from approximately £50 and ship readily. LocalMesh helps you select appropriate hardware.

Stage 2: install the MeshCore application

Download the free MeshCore application on your smartphone (Android or iPhone). Connect your LoRa radio device via Bluetooth – as simple as pairing wireless earphones.

Stage 3: test the system

Exchange test messages with other MeshCore users in your area. This verifies everything functions when genuinely needed. Test regularly to become familiar with the system.

Stage 4: inform your community

Greater participation strengthens the network. Tell friends, household, and neighbours about LocalMesh. Develop an emergency communication plan for your street or neighbourhood collectively.

Is the UK prepared for internet failure?

Honestly: not adequately. The UK ranks among the most digitally connected nations globally. Excellent – until something fails. Robust backup systems remain lacking. Emergency services depend heavily on mobile communications. Citizens possess few alternatives.

Other nations progress further. In Japan and portions of the US, community movements develop offline communication networks for emergencies. LocalMesh aims to accomplish the same in the UK. We're constructing a community network for when digital infrastructure fails.

Begin preparation today

You cannot predict when internet will fail. However, you can prepare. LocalMesh makes establishing an independent community communication system straightforward.

Join the growing number of people throughout the UK already preparing. Don't depend solely on systems that can fail. What occurs when internet fails? With MeshCore, you may maintain contact.