[BC] Cell data to public

[Mark Earle]

But Tom B.,

The real trouble with this, in most areas the cellular industry is NOT 
prepeared for more than 24-48 hours of non power, etc.

So perhaps the cell guys can send NWS and other warnings to phones, BEFORE 
the event.

But AFTER? Look at Katrina last year. There was no power for weeks. Cell 
phones went down two days after the event as site batteries failed. Most 
sites had no generators. Certainly, the switching centers had generators, 
but not an infinite fuel supply.

Regular phones quit also - because the SLIC or other neighborhood interface 
only runs for 24-48 hours these days.

That still leaves broadcasts and $9.99 cheapo transistor radios, analog 
mode, as one way to "reach the masses" and inform them.

Now, to be fair, T-Mobile at least along the coast of Texas, did go and 
install generators at their sites. These are run from a propane tank. I 
have no idea how long they would run without refueling.

In many areas (tornadoes, floods, etc) the cellular infrastructure is the 
24-48 hour model.


mwe

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