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Comment on What are some of the impacts of a power outage that isn't that obvious / isn't talked about a lot? And What happens to restaurant bills? Do Buses still work? (since card payments wouldn't work)

SomeAmateur@sh.itjust.works ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago

Most cell towers have generators but only about 48 hours of fuel. So you might have ways to charge your phone but it might not have a network to connect to

You don’t need a cell signal for GPS signal to work so having some offline maps like OrganicMaps or OSMand can still be useful

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RegalPotoo@lemmy.world ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Another point on this, in events like this the cell network is often under very significant stress as every single person tries to contact their family and friends at the same time to check if they are OK. The general advice is to avoid making phone calls if you can to keep capacity free for people who need to contact emergency services

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JeremyHuntQW12@lemmy.world ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Cell towers only have about half an hour of battery back up. Its the switched network (landline phones) that will last for a few days.

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- rmuk@feddit.uk ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  This depends on where and why. I know that in some parts of the Carribbean, for example, most towers will only last a day or two, but there are some that can last weeks with satellite backhauls providing minimal service to large areas.
  
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