Spain will require carriers to keep mobile networks live during power outages
Spain's government will approve a royal decree requiring mobile network operators and infrastructure companies to maintain connectivity for at least four hours during blackouts. The rules apply to operators serving at least 500,000 users or with annual revenue above €50 million.
Spain is set to mandate that mobile networks remain operational during power outages. A royal decree, to be approved by the end of 2026, will require mobile network operators (MNOs) and infrastructure firms to install batteries or other backup systems to keep service active for at least four hours during a blackout.
These requirements will apply to businesses that serve at least 500,000 users or generate annual revenue of €50 million ($56.9 million) or more. The decree sets phased coverage targets: 50% of the population within the first year, 65% in the second, and 75% in the third.
The move is a response to a massive power outage last year that affected Spain, Portugal, and France. While requiring MNOs to maintain connectivity during outages is prudent, experts note that the approach may become less relevant as satellite-to-phone connectivity becomes integrated into mobile networks in the coming years.
The decree also addresses other critical infrastructure. Control centers whose failure could impact all of Spain must remain operational for at least 24 hours. Emergency call centers will be required to have contingency plans to maintain operations during power losses.
