What Happens To Your Phone Signal During Load Shedding? So, Eskom just announced the introduction of Stage 6 load shedding and leaving the rest of us wondering how this can possibly get worse. As it is, load shedding today is a nuisance for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which being that it comes just in time for the holiday season. While Eskom isn’t being a holiday party-pooper, it’s interfering with your mobile phone signal (and your perfect new fibre contract). But why do we lose our cell phone signal during now frequent blackouts? Because Phonefinder is all about keeping you connected, Phil’s got the scoop! |
Mobile Networks Take Strain Due To Load Shedding When a cellphone tower goes down due to a power outage, it will continue running for as long the onsite batteries or generators hold up. Depending on the configuration of nearby towers, a coverage area may lose signal completely or customers will experience spotty service. Vodacom said their clients would not be able to access services when backup power at their towers becomes depleted. Once power is restored, any missed calls and messages should come through. Most network operators equip their sites with batteries with a capacity of up to 6 to 12 hours, depending on the site category. These batteries need up to 18 hours to recharge, which is impossible to do during stage 3 and 4 load shedding – much less stage 6! MTN has also weighed in, saying that, despite significant investments into battery back-ups and generators, their mobile sites still deal with the threat of load shedding. Then there’s also the threat of theft and vandalism on these mobile network sites, which is a problem, even when there is no load shedding to contend with.  |
How To Stay Connected During Load Shedding Thankfully, there are ways to preserve your smartphone’s perks and power during our frequent blackouts. Keep Eskom from killing your vibe with these smartphone accessories: Smartphone USB Powerbank: If you don’t have one already (since phone batteries aren’t what they used to be), get one – you need one. UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply): This is especially important if you work from home and want to keep your computer from shutting off before you have a chance to save all your work. Mobile phone signal boosters: Maximise your cell phone signal strength and performance in your home in spite of Eskom’s sabotage. |
Final Word From PhilAnd just because we like you, here’s a couple more smartphone power hacks: your laptop works as an emergency charging station in a pinch, and you can also charge up your phone in your car with a USB cable and enough petrol to get you around the block a few times. |
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