The blackout, which began around midday, disrupted essential infrastructure, including mobile networks, internet services, and emergency communication systems. In both Spain and Portugal, users experienced difficulties with voice calls, and data services were only partially functional. This disruption affected not just everyday communication but also critical services like hashtag emergency calls and public safety communications.
In December 2022, European telecom operators and emergency services had already urged the EU to classify telecom infrastructure as critical, highlighting concerns that power outages could disrupt communication networks, including those used by emergency services. They pointed out that backup solutions like batteries and diesel generators are costly, fragile, and not feasible for widespread deployment.
Europe has nearly half a million telecom towers, and most of them have battery backups to power the mobile antennas, which last around 30 minutes.
The April 2025 blackout highlights the urgent need for enhanced resilience in telecom infrastructure, including better backup power solutions and prioritisation of energy distribution during crises. Solar energy is becoming a necessary support, especially for making emergency services more sustainable. However, it cannot yet fully replace diesel generators or a full grid connection during significant power cuts — especially for high-power or long-term needs.