GSMA warns of growing risks to mobile networks from extreme weather
Mobile comms body wants a joined-up approach from governments and regulators to mitigate downtime
The GSMA, representing the mobile network industry, warns that extreme weather poses growing risks to mobile networks and calls for stronger collaboration between governments, regulators, and mobile operators. Severe storms and floods cost operators $1.7 billion annually in repair costs, a figure projected to nearly double to over $3 billion by 2050 under expected climate conditions.
Towers, masts, and rooftop sites are vulnerable to wind, storms, and lightning, while flooding can inundate ground-level equipment. High temperatures can cause radio equipment to overheat, and heavy rain can degrade wireless signal strength. The electricity supply is identified as the greatest vulnerability, as its outages can leave networks offline for several hours or longer.
The GSMA estimates that damage to cell sites from severe storms could rise to $2.37 billion by 2050, accounting for three-quarters of all damage costs. To improve network resilience, the GSMA recommends integrating resilience measures during network design, planning, and testing across the wider ecosystem, including collaboration with public authorities, emergency services, electricity and fuel providers.
Policymakers are urged to develop resilience frameworks through consultation with operators, promoting outcome-based policies rather than prescriptive regulations.
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