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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 13, 2026Miami-Dade

Taiwan limits mobile internet to text-only speeds during military defense drills

Taiwanese telecommunication operators restricted mobile internet speeds to 256 Kbps for 30 minutes in seven cities, including Taipei, as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercises. The drill aimed to simulate communication constraints during a potential invasion scenario, with President Lai Ching-te requesting public understanding for the disruption.

national securitymilitary drillstelecommunicationscivil defense
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Why It Matters

Residents in major Taiwanese cities experienced a temporary loss of high-speed mobile data access as the government integrates civilian infrastructure into national defense simulations.

Key Facts

  • Mobile internet speeds were capped at 256 Kbps for 30 minutes in Taipei and six other locations.
  • The slowdown was part of the Han Kuang military exercises designed to model responses to a potential Chinese invasion.
  • President Lai Ching-te issued a public apology for the service disruption.
  • The drills included air raid simulations where Taipei metro station gates were closed to passengers.
  • Hospitals participated by simulating the relocation of critical operations to underground facilities.
  • Between Wednesday and Thursday morning, 18 Chinese warplanes and 11 navy ships were detected operating around Taiwan.
  • This year's exercises placed a specific focus on integrating civilians and local governments into real-world scenarios.

Who's Mentioned

other256“The speed limit in Kbps imposed on mobile data.”otherHan Kuang“Annual military exercises conducted by Taiwan.”locationTaipei“Capital city where the internet slowdown and air raid drills occurred.”personLai Ching-te“President of Taiwan who apologized for the drill's inconvenience.”other11“Number of Chinese navy ships operating around Taiwan.”other18“Number of Chinese warplanes operating around Taiwan.”