A widespread power outage in Spain and Portugal on Monday led to a 35 percent surge in Starlink satellite internet usage as traditional mobile networks failed. Ookla data revealed record Starlink usage in Spain, with thousands resorting to the service due to the lack of mobile coverage. While Starlink offered a lifeline, its capacity limitations were evident, highlighting the vulnerability of telecoms networks during power failures. The outage, potentially linked to excess solar power, exposed the inadequate backup power for mobile antennas in Spain and Portugal, prompting calls for improved network resilience. The incident underscores a broader issue: many countries lack sufficient backup power for mobile networks, leaving millions vulnerable during extended outages.

Prepared by Jonathan Pierce and reviewed by editorial team.