During a blackout, communication channels fail one by one: first the landline (VoIP needs power), then mobile internet, then increasingly the mobile network itself. What then?
What Works and For How Long
| Communication Channel | Outage Time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Landline (analog, old) | Days to weeks | Own power supply in the line |
| Landline (VoIP/IP) | Immediately | Requires router = power |
| Mobile network (calls/SMS) | 1–3 days | Towers have backup power |
| Mobile internet | Hours to 1 day | Data load overwhelms network |
| Hand-crank radio (receive) | Unlimited | No power needed |
| Amateur radio | Unlimited | Own power supply |
Method 1: Phone with Battery Management
Keep it functional for as long as possible:
- Airplane mode when no active communication is needed
- SMS instead of calls (less network load, higher delivery rate)
- Offline messengers (Signal, Telegram) cache messages
- Keep a power bank fully charged as backup at all times
👉 Charging Your Phone Without Power: The Best Methods →
Method 2: Hand-Crank Radio — Information Without Anything
The hand-crank radio is the most important communication tool during a blackout. It receives broadcast signals — completely without power, without internet, without a battery.
Public broadcasters have their own backup generators and continue transmitting even during a blackout. This is where official situation reports, evacuation notices, and supply points are announced.
The best hand-crank radio also features:
- USB output for charging your phone
- Built-in flashlight
- Solar panel as a second charging option
👉 The Best Hand-Crank Radio Reviewed →
Method 3: Pre-Arranged Meeting Points
If all communication channels fail, a pre-agreed meeting point is the most reliable system.
Agree on this today:
- Meeting point 1: Home — if everyone is at home
- Meeting point 2: A nearby trusted person (parents, neighbor) — if home is unreachable
- Meeting point 3: The other person’s school / workplace — in case no one is home
- Time: E.g. “If we haven’t reached each other after 4 hours, we meet at 6 PM at…”
Method 4: Walkie-Talkie / PMR Radio
PMR radios operate on fixed frequencies — no infrastructure, no mobile network required. Range: 1–5 km in the city, up to 10 km in open terrain.
Ideal for families spread across different parts of the city. Budget models are available from $30–$50.
Method 5: Analog Landline
Anyone who still has an old analog landline (not VoIP) can use it to make calls even during a blackout — the lines have their own power supply.
However: most households have already switched to VoIP. Check whether your connection is still analog.
The Most Important Tip: Plan Before the Blackout
All of these methods only work if you know about them and have prepared in advance. Call your family today and agree on an emergency plan.
👉 Hand-Crank Radio Review: Which One Is the Most Reliable? →
👉 The Complete Blackout Checklist: Communication and More →