Digital Fragility: Without Electricity or Mobile Phones, We Are Lost

In autumn 2021, there were disturbing rumours about the consequences of a possible ‘blackout’ caused by a lethal cyberattack, a solar storm or a systemic chain failure that could disable communications networks, the electricity supply and many other vital systems. This led to the understanding that, as a precaution, it was advisable to be ‘prepared,’ especially after the previous experience in March 2020, with the stockpiling of essential goods at the start of lockdown.

But all this had almost been forgotten when, on Monday 28 April 2025, at 12:33 p.m., an unprecedented and devastating blackout left Spain without electricity. After the first few minutes of rumours and speculation, the scale of the event became apparent.

In general, WhatsApp and other networks continued to function in some places, in addition to telephone services, allowing for a certain degree of information exchange and warnings for some of those affected. However, we were left without traffic lights, rail transport, underground trains or lifts and, of course, without functioning electrical appliances, Wi-Fi networks, digital applications and devices.

Fortunately, it was still many hours before the late spring sunset, the weather was pleasant and we did not need heating, which mitigated the impact, at least psychologically. However, many people were trapped in stations until dawn and many others walked long distances to return home.

Digital fragility

The digital society and economy in which we live have once again demonstrated their extraordinary vulnerability. The blackout not only paralysed numerous essential services, it also highlighted the extent to which we depend on energy and digital interconnection for the daily functioning of our lives. This dependence is not a one-off or temporary phenomenon, but a structural trend that will continue to intensify in the coming years.

We feel ‘digital fragility’, a concept that refers to the potential problems, failures or errors of systems associated with digitalisation and which has been highlighted by organisations such as ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute, the European telecommunications industry's standardisation organisation, established in 1988).

This fragility must be distinguished from other interpretations such as vulnerability (a more appropriate word in reference to cyber attacks) or lack of resilience (which is the ability to adapt and overcome adverse situations, a term widely used during the pandemic).

The entire communications, data and services infrastructure rests on an indispensable physical foundation: electrical energy. It does not matter whether it comes from traditional sources such as fossil fuels or nuclear energy, or from new renewable sources such as solar photovoltaic or wind power. Without a stable electricity supply, the entire digital edifice is shaken, and with it our daily routines, our financial transactions, our communication and our security.

More resilient energy storage

The rise of renewable energy, often on a domestic scale, has not been accompanied by a true culture of self-consumption. Although considerable progress has been made in the installation of solar panels and small wind turbines, most people still depend on the general electricity grid.

This means that, in emergency situations, decentralised generation does not provide an effective backup. The promotion of domestic and community energy storage systems should be a priority in order to increase the resilience of our communities to energy crises.

Protection against hacking

This fragility can be due to both accidental failures and deliberate attacks, such as cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

On the other hand, a society that aspires to be truly digitalised must have alternative or ‘analogue’ backup mechanisms in place, ready to be activated in an emergency, as well as protocols and guidelines that are known to the population, with the support of government, businesses and educational institutions.

Without our mobile phones, we are lost

We must be aware of everything that is exposed in this digital ecosystem: the financial system, payment services, alarm centres, connections to emergency services, water supply, transport, food and medicine logistics, among many others, and, of course, cable and mobile communications networks, perhaps the backbone of the digital ecosystem.

Interconnection not only enhances efficiency and competitiveness, but also multiplies cascading risks: a failure in one sector can trigger chain reactions that affect many vital areas.

We have long since ceased to need to print plane or train tickets, using apps for public transport, social security, travel and getting around. We even access public administrations through apps (cl@ve PIN and others). More recent is the MiDNI app ID card. If the communications network stops working or the battery in our device runs out, we are lost.

We trust new digital media, but it seems that there is always a first time when we realise that, even if it is highly unlikely, a system failure can occur.

Accurate information, an essential support

Recent experience has shown, for example, the indisputable value of analogue radio as the only reliable source of information during a blackout. In the absence of mobile networks and the internet, many people were only able to find out what was happening through traditional broadcasters. This fact invites reflection on the need to preserve and strengthen analogue technologies, which are often considered obsolete but can prove vital in crisis situations.

In a hyperconnected society, the absence of information or its manipulation exacerbates uncertainty, spreads rumours and generates mistrust. Communication must be proactive, avoiding both minimising the problem and causing alarm, and must enable the population to act in a coordinated and supportive manner.

Otherwise, there is a risk of reversing the progress made, which could justify setbacks out of fear of excessive digital dependence. At a time of such profound transformation, trust is a strategic resource. Without it, citizens will not support new innovations or embrace the changes necessary to adapt to an economy increasingly based on data, connectivity and automation.

Next time, better prepared

Schools, the media and public administrations have a key role to play in educating citizens to respond appropriately to contingencies. Regular drills, action guides and early warning systems are part of a comprehensive approach that should be developed as a matter of urgency.

Because, whether we like it or not, the repetition of similar incidents is not a remote possibility, but a growing certainty on the horizon of our digital age. Learning from each crisis, strengthening our response capabilities and diversifying our sources of resilience is not an option: it is the only way to ensure that digitalisation remains a promise of progress and not an existential risk.

The original version of this article was published in the magazine Telos, by Fundación Telefónica.