Storm disrupts mobile networks and fuel station operations

Last weekend’s storm disrupted mobile communications and fuel station operations across Latvia, LSM reported. Although services had been restored in most of the country, some regions were still experiencing outages on Monday.

The storm caused power cuts that shut down base stations operated by all three major mobile operators. In some areas, mobile services were unavailable altogether. By midday on Monday, up to 1.5 percent of customers were still without service.

Base stations have backup batteries, but they can operate without an electricity connection for only a limited time. Tele2 public relations manager Oskars Fīrmanis said batteries typically last between two and four hours, depending on the station’s workload and the condition of the battery.

Strategically important base stations also have stationary generators that switch on automatically. However, operators cannot equip all stations with generators. Tele2 said it was considering increasing the number of generators at important stations after about 5 percent of its customers were affected during the storm.

Communication disruptions also made it harder for fuel retailers to operate, and several fuel stations continued to experience problems. Fuel suppliers said interruptions to communications were delaying their work. Politicians criticised the ability of mobile operators and fuel retailers to maintain operations during the storm.

Tele2 said more overhead electricity lines should be moved underground where possible to prevent falling trees and branches from damaging them.