Telecommunications companies stock up on batteries to prepare for disaster season

The biggest threat the nation’s telecommunications companies are grappling with ahead of summer’s disaster season isn’t the possibility of triple-0 going down, it’s power outages that would bring down the entire phone and internet system, emergency calls and all.

While Optus, Telstra and TPG (which owns Vodafone) are under political scrutiny over the state of the triple-0 system, they are also preparing for the broader possibility of disasters.

Portable mobile phone towers, backup batteries and generators, and even the possibility of using drones to ensure phone services at evacuation centres are in the mix.

Telcos recommend people ensure their own phones, devices and backup batteries are fully charged if a natural disaster is looming.

People should also write down key phone numbers for family members and emergency services, so they don’t have to rely on accessing them on a phone that might have run out of battery.

The major telcos regularly catch up with State and Territory disaster-ready groups, along with police and emergency services, local councils, charities and power companies, to coordinate planning and responses.

They’ll also join the National Emergency Management Agency in a couple of weeks for a simulation drill to stress test the triple-0 system and their disaster preparedness plans.

“While our networks are built for resilience, power outages and extreme conditions can impact connectivity,” a TPG-Telecom spokesman told The West.

“That’s why we encourage customers to keep devices charged, back up important data, and stay tuned to local emergency updates.”

When a natural disaster is forecast, the companies start moving critical equipment into place to help maintain mobile coverage, an Optus spokesperson said.

This includes sending portable generators to keep mobile sites operational during power outages – “one of the most common challenges during emergencies” – and specialised equipment to restore mobile connectivity that is often sent to evacuation centres.

“Optus prioritises disaster preparedness and takes a proactive and locally informed approach to emergency preparedness and response, particularly during emergency management season,” the spokesperson said.

Telstra has also upgraded more than 1000 payphones in at-risk locations over the past year to give them free wifi and extended battery backup.

It has upgraded other technology and facilities with a view to keeping them running for longer, even during power outages.