A method and mobile communication device that reduce communication interruption time when a base station stops operating are described. The mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to a cell operated by a base station. The method includes determining a fallback cell, obtaining parameters to quickly establish a wireless connection to the fallback cell, determining that the base station is stopping operation, and using the parameters to quickly establish a wireless connection to the fallback cell. Also described are a base station and method for the base station to reduce communication interruption time. The method includes determining that the base station is stopping operation, switching to a backup power source if the base station is stopping operation due to loss of power, and transmitting a message to the mobile communication devices connected to the base station that they should switch to a fallback cell, since the base station is stopping operation.