The Role of Legacy Mobile Networks in Infrastructure Resilience: Evidence from the Southern Brazil Flood

2025-09-10

AI Summary

This study assesses the disaster resilience of mobile communication networks during the extreme flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in May 2024. Method: Leveraging regulatory data, operator technical reports, and multi-source outage attribution analysis—integrated with power outage mapping and recovery timeline modeling—we systematically evaluate network performance under prolonged blackouts and flood-induced submersion. Contribution/Results: Findings reveal that modern 4G/5G networks exhibit high vulnerability under such conditions, whereas legacy 2G/3G networks—owing to low power consumption, wide coverage, and base station redundancy—sustain critical voice and SMS services. We propose a novel “heterogeneous network collaborative resilience architecture,” demonstrating that strategic retention and intelligent integration of legacy infrastructure, augmented by diversified power solutions (e.g., solar + battery storage), offers a cost-effective, high-impact pathway to enhance emergency communication robustness. These empirically grounded insights inform disaster communication policy and resilient network planning in the 5G era.

Technology Category

Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal SystemsApplication Domains: Mobility, Driving & FlightMultiagent Systems: Agent Communication

Application Category

Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Energy management for devices in mobile Web and WoT environmentsSocial Networks and Social Media: Generative AI / large language models and their impact on social systemsSearch and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Vertical and domain-specific search

Abstract

This paper investigates the resilience of mobile communication networks during the extreme flooding that affected Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in May 2024. Based on regulatory data and technical insights from operators, the study identifies the leading causes of mobile network disruptions, primarily related to flooding and prolonged power outages. The results reveal the significant vulnerability of modern networks (4G/5G) during the event and the essential role played by legacy technologies (2G/3G) in sustaining basic connectivity under adverse conditions. The findings underscore the necessity of disaster-aware infrastructure planning, taking into account the ongoing significance of legacy systems, diversified power supply strategies, and resilient network designs to enhance service continuity during future crises.

Problem

• Assessing mobile network resilience during extreme flooding
• Identifying causes of disruptions from flooding and power outages
• Evaluating legacy technologies' role in maintaining connectivity

Innovation

• Legacy 2G/3G networks sustain connectivity during disasters
• Diversified power supply strategies enhance network resilience
• Disaster-aware infrastructure planning incorporates legacy system significance