Telecom disturbances

Swedish telecom networks are reliable but are nonetheless vulnerable to accidents, sabotage, technical faults and the weather. Read more about the work being done to prevent telecoms disruptions and find advice on how to prepare for disruptions.
Updated
Foto: Johan Eklund/Myndigheten för civilt försvar.
Telefonmast i villaområde.

Heavy snowfall, storms and lightning strikes are examples of weather phenomena that can disrupt electricity and telecoms networks and even knock them out completely for a time.

Find local information – and be prepared

Prepare for telephone and internet outages by checking your local authority’s website for information on how it deals with disruptions.

Write down your most important telephone numbers on a piece of paper. If your mobile phone isn’t working, you won’t be able to access the numbers for relatives, the school, the local authority or your electricity supplier. Your landline, or someone else’s phone, may still be working.

Also find out where you need to go within the local authority to access drinking water, heating, support and up-to-date information about the incident.

If you, as a private individual, are affected by a telecoms outage, you should first and foremost contact your provider if possible.

If your phone stops working where you are, you may need to go to a fire station if you need to call 112.

Having different providers for your internet and telephone services increases your chances of staying informed – for example, about how to contact 112 if your phones aren’t working.

If your phone is working, you can also call 113 13 for information about major accidents and crises.

Calling 112 during telecom disruptions

If your provider experiences a disruption, you can normally call 112 via another mobile network operator. However, this may not work during certain types of disruption.

If you cannot get through to 112, do the following:

  • Try switching your phone off and on again.
  • If that doesn’t work, remove the SIM card from your phone. If no mobile network provider has coverage, you will not be able to call 112.
  • Make your way to the nearest fire station. If it is not possible to make an emergency call because the mobile network is down, the emergency services usually deploy vehicles in the affected areas where members of the public can contact SOS Alarm via 112. Sometimes this takes place at the fire station.

Relieving pressure on mobile networks during a crisis

If many people make calls at the same time in a particular area, it puts a heavy strain on mobile networks. Here’s what you should do during an ongoing crisis or disruption:

Relieve pressure on mobile networks. Only make calls on your mobile if you absolutely have to.

Be patient. If you’re having trouble getting through, wait a while. Repeated calls can put further strain on the networks.

Communicate online. Messages on the internet put less strain on mobile networks. Try to use alternative messaging services if you can.

A battery-powered radio is a useful addition

Sveriges Radio P4 is Sweden’s emergency channel and provides information on major incidents and disruptions. In the event of a power cut, it is therefore a good idea to have a radio that runs on batteries or is otherwise not dependent on the mains supply. For information in English and other languages, tune in to Radio Sweden. 

Sources: The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency, and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR).