Spain mandates 4-hour mobile backup during blackouts by 2026

Spain is set to introduce new regulations requiring telecommunications operators to maintain mobile network service for up to four hours during power outages. The measure, part of a broader Royal Decree on digital infrastructure resilience, aims to ensure continuity of critical communications across the country. The decree is expected to be formally approved before the end of 2026, with implementation rolling out in stages over the following three years.

What the decree requires

Under the new rules, telecoms operators must install backup battery systems capable of sustaining mobile coverage for at least four hours without grid power. The rollout will be gradual: in the first year after the decree takes effect, operators must cover 50% of the population, increasing to 65% in the second year and 75% by the third. The phased approach is designed to allow operators time to invest in infrastructure while progressively improving network resilience.

The decree also sets stricter backup power requirements for other critical digital infrastructure. Regional telecoms management centres must remain operational for at least 12 hours on backup power, while the most critical national control centres must function for 24 hours without grid electricity. Emergency communications are a key focus: operators supporting Spain’s 112 emergency call system will be required to submit security and resilience plans and implement network redundancy measures to prevent service disruptions.

The regulations extend beyond telecoms providers. Major digital infrastructure operators—including certain data centres, submarine cable operators, satellite systems, and internet exchange points—will also be subject to the new rules if they meet size thresholds or are designated as critical service providers. National security and defence networks are exempt.

Broader implications for digital infrastructure

Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López framed the initiative as a new "digital right," positioning it within Spain’s broader strategy to strengthen technological sovereignty. The decree aligns with ongoing investments in resilient digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies, reflecting a push to reduce dependence on external providers for critical services.

For telecoms operators, the new requirements will likely drive significant capital expenditure on backup power systems, battery storage, and network redundancy. The phased rollout may ease the financial burden, but smaller providers could face challenges in meeting the deadlines. Data centre operators and other digital infrastructure providers will also need to assess their backup power capabilities and invest in upgrades where necessary.

The focus on emergency communications underscores the decree’s role in public safety. By mandating redundancy for the 112 emergency system, the government aims to ensure that citizens can access emergency services even during widespread power outages or network failures. This could set a precedent for other EU member states, particularly those with similar concerns about infrastructure resilience and technological sovereignty.

What to watch

The decree’s implementation timeline will be closely monitored, particularly the phased population coverage targets. Operators will need to prioritise regions based on population density and critical infrastructure, which could lead to disparities in coverage during the early stages. Compliance costs and the impact on smaller providers may also become points of contention as the rules take effect.

Additionally, the decree’s broader scope—encompassing data centres, submarine cables, and internet exchange points—signals a shift toward more comprehensive regulation of digital infrastructure. This could influence future EU-wide policies on resilience and sovereignty, particularly as other member states evaluate their own approaches to critical infrastructure protection.

Sources

CircleID: Spain to Require Four Hours of Mobile Service During Power Blackouts