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Cellular networks brace for Inauguration Day crush
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The nation's wireless carriers are expecting a crush of voice calls, text messages and picture messages out of Washington, D.C., today at President-elect Barack Obama's Inauguration ceremonies, and said Sunday's live concert in the capital gave them a hint of what is to be expected.
The wireless carriers have increased capacity for the expected volume of traffic on the networks, and for weeks have warned customers to expect scattered outages in their networks. In December, T-Mobile USA said it would deploy Cells-on-Wheels (COWs) to boost capacity in Washington, and AT&T Mobility said it planned to boost capacity on its HSDPA network.
More than 400,000 people crowded the Mall by the Lincoln Memorial Sunday for a free concert, which gave Verizon Wireless a chance to do some last-minute adjustments to its plans for Inauguration Day. Sprint Nextel also has said it would boost capacity for its macro network, and while it did experience some network disruptions Sunday, the network performed as well as was expected. More than 1.2 million people are expected to crowd the Capitol and the Mall today.
CTIA is urging people attending the Inauguration to send text messages instead of making voice calls, and to try to wait on sending picture or video messages until after the event.
For more:
- see this article
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Comments
Posted by Fredric L. Rice | January 20, 2009 - 11:45am
It's great seeing over two million people flooding the Mall to usher out the Bush fascists and express some hope that the country will retyurn to its foundations. It's great seeing cell outages since it underscores the growing feeling of hope that this Republican nightmare is coming to an end.
Posted by Anonymous | January 20, 2009 - 11:48am
Wow Fredric... "Bush fascists"?..... really? You sound like someone who is dependent on the government. I sincerely hope your check arrives promptly at the 1st of the month. ;-) Good day sir.
Posted by Joel Borcherding | January 20, 2009 - 12:01pm
I'm a conservative libertarian but typically side with the Republican party. I have been and remain a supporter of George W. Bush. Many of the decisions he has made have made me cringe a little, but he was the president of the united states, our leader, and - most importantly - a human being. As such, he deserves our respect, understanding and support. The presidency is easily the most difficult occupation in the world, maybe Bush wasn't the best fit for the office, but I'm sure he did what he believed was right. It's so hard for me not to be angry with you, because you and your attitude are what are wrong with America. God forgive you for your ignorance.
Posted by Joel Borcherding | January 20, 2009 - 12:04pm
Some things I forgot to mention above. My previous comment was addressed specifically to Mr. Frederic Rice. I also forgot to mention that although I voted for Senator McCain, I support Obama as our president and pray everyday that he will make the decisions that are best for our country. Although I disagree with his political stances, I support him as an individual created in the image of God and as the President of the United States
Posted by Dave Gravis | January 20, 2009 - 1:31pm
A leader who betrays the trust of his constituents will not earn their respect or support. That is why Bush leaves office with neither. It's that simple.
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