Shutting down mobile internet has become the first step for governments India Whenever there is any kind of violence or even during a big exam. It sounds strange, but in India, the government can shut down mobile internet for lakhs of people without warning, to prevent a few thousands from cheating during any major exam for government jobs. Be it elections, exams, incidents of violence or any other reason, mobile internet shutdown can happen anytime in India and in any city. The common man these days has little say in questioning the methods used by the governments, but they should at least be prepared.
While governments may argue that reducing mobile internet is one way to prevent any incidents from escalating, the reality is that there are millions of other citizens who have nothing to do with any such ‘incidents’. With the massive thrust towards Digital India, it cannot be denied that life becomes difficult if your smartphone suddenly goes offline.
Here are some things you should consider in case the internet suddenly shuts down in your area.
always have enough cash
No matter how many mobile wallets you use or you believe in relying solely on UPI, but cash rules when there is no internet. Always keep some cash in your house and keep enough cash in your wallet. If you are traveling, needless to say that each member of the travel group must carry enough cash for their own expenses. It’s always a good idea to keep a reserve of cash on hand that you can use only in case digital payments fail. Remember, in times of crisis the government can also stop UPI payments including *99# service.
Always keep some cash in your house and keep enough cash in your wallet.
Carry physical copies of documents, tickets, hotel bookings etc. with you if you are traveling
Keep photos or scanned copies of all documents on your smartphone so that it can be accessed without internet. Don’t always rely on Google Drive or Photos, keep separate backups of important personal data in a secure folder on your smartphone. Also, while travelling, make sure you have physical printouts of documents, tickets, hotel bookings etc along with photographs, screenshots.
While travelling, make sure you have physical printouts of documents, tickets, hotel bookings etc along with photographs, screenshots.
Download Offline Maps on Google Maps
Download offline maps to Google Maps of your state or area of your residence. Also, when you are traveling, always download maps of the place you intend to visit before you head out. Offline maps can be a savior when 4G internet isn’t available or when the internet is off.
Offline maps can be a savior when 4G internet isn’t available or when the internet is off.
Always keep enough balance for calls and SMS
People forget to recharge their mobile accounts with sufficient cash balance with the combo pack offering unlimited calls, data and SMS. In case 4G connectivity takes off and you have to rely on 2G for communication, it is important to have enough balance for calls and SMS.
In case 4G connectivity takes off and you have to rely on 2G for communication, it is important to have enough balance for calls and SMS.
Get a broadband connection for your home
Most of the time the government shuts down mobile internet and spares broadband connections. It may be a good idea to get a broadband connection at home to save yourself from the hassles of internet shutdown. Broadband plans are cheap these days and you can help more people connect to the internet in times of need. Also, if your work requires you to be always connected, relying on mobile internet on a daily basis is a bad idea.
Relying on mobile internet on a daily basis is a bad idea if your work requires you to be always connected.
Back to Downloading Movies and Songs from the Internet
In the 2G era, we used to happily download songs, movies, games and other content to our hard drives. apps like Spotify, Netflix And others have ruined this habit and these apps now have more control over the content you consume. It may be a good idea to manually download content from the Internet like in the old times to be prepared for tough situations.
It may be a good idea to manually download content from the Internet like in the old times to be prepared for tough situations.
Get a paid and reliable VPN app, it can work sometimes
During a partial Internet shutdown, a VPN app can help you stay connected to the Internet. But when the internet is completely shut down, VPN apps will be of no use. Plus, VPN apps help you protect your privacy and access the Internet securely. There is no harm in buying a paid and reliable VPN service.
VPN apps help you protect your privacy and access the Internet securely.
Build your own mesh network using apps like bridgefy, firechat
Heard of Bluetooth Mesh Networks? Yes, you can stay connected with the people around you using apps like Bridgefy, FireChat etc. These apps let you send text messages offline using Bluetooth. Of course, you can’t make video calls! But you can use these apps to send messages during natural disasters, big events or while traveling. Apps like Bridgefy use Bluetooth to send messages from a distance of 100 meters.
You can stay connected with people near you by using apps like Bridgefy, FireChat etc.
Keep old 2G handsets handy in case of emergency
An old 2G handset can be a great asset in an emergency to stay connected with calls and SMS. Also, the battery life of a 2G handset is more than any smartphone of the day. Carry a 2G handset with features like flashlight, FM radio, camera, MP3 and microSD card support. This is all you need to survive doomsday.
An old 2G handset can be a great asset in an emergency to stay connected with calls and SMS.
If your area is prone to frequent internet shutdowns, consider getting a landline.
If you are seeing frequent disruptions to mobile internet and reception due to situations beyond your control, getting a landline may be advisable as a long-term solution. Always choose a different landline, not the one that comes with your broadband plan. It’s better not to put all your eggs in one basket during trying times. Also, it might be a good idea to refresh your dial-up memories!
It’s better not to put all your eggs in one basket during trying times.
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