Wireless Heros

Zorog · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 135

As you are all aware, hurricane Katrina has caused a great deal of devastation. You may not be aware of the enormity of the task to get cellular services up again.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of cellular towers out of service. Most have telecom links cut, many are damaged, and some are destroyed. Entire switching facilities are under water.

It took YEARS to build these facilities, and they cannot be replaced/repaired in days or weeks. It can take months to replace a tower, even when it's finally safe to do so. As the storm passes, the wireless carriers have sent in all available power generators, COW's (Cell on Wheels), microwave, and personnel from all across America. Establishing cellular service is critical to Emergency Services, and saves lives.

Data services have the lowest priority - as you can imagine the ability to dial "911" is far more important. For those of you who want data in these areas, please understand and be patient.

I have nothing but praise for all the carriers who are spending tremendous resources, time, money, and personnel to rebuild this critical communications infrastructure. I am personally aware of Operations personnel who are making sacrifices of their family time to go South.

To all of you, please be patient with Customer Services and Technical Support requests, as manpower everywhere has been tapped to assist with the Katrina recovery efforts.

Michael · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:19 am Post subject:

Zorog,

Thanks for your post.

When I see the devastation on TV (I am in Chicago), it is just mind blowing and I (and I am sure others feel) for what is happening down there.

I am trying to figure out what I can do personally to make a difference. About the only thing I can come up with is making a cash donation to some of the organizations that need the money now.

Anyone know which organizations have the least administration overhead and actually use most of the money to actually help people in need?

The Red Cross seems to be the one.

Anyone know of others, or that can add additional info.

Thanks.
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ruthe · EVDO Newbie Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 2

AFAIK, Red Cross and NoahsWish.org for the animals.
ruthe

brendanhoar · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 09 Jun 2005 Posts: 140

Michael · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:33 pm Post subject:

Zorog · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 135

And you thought your job was tough...

"The stepped-up evacuation came as workers trying to restart essential services came under sniper fire. More than 100 officers and seven armored personnel carriers captured a suspect in a housing project who had been firing on workers trying to restore cell phone towers, authorities said."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168756,00.html

rickster · EVDO Junkie Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 216

A little late, but thought it was interesting read.
http://press.xtvworld.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6584