Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: Inauguration, day, obama, cell, phones | Themes: Smartphones, 3GSM
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are typically the times when it’s hardest to send a text message because the networks are so bogged down with everyone trying to get in touch with everyone. While the country gears up for tomorrow’s inauguration ceremony, one thing people seem to have forgotten is the toll it’s going to take on cellphone networks.
Crowd estimates for Tuesday say to expect up to 2.5 million and it’s anyone’s guess how many will actually show up on the day. Wireless carriers are doing their best to make sure everyone can make calls, update their twitter, upload pictures, video and send text messages on the day but are still unsure if it will be enough.
“We know how many people can pack into a race track or concert,” said John Johnson, a spokesman for Verizon Wireless. However, like we said, no one knows just how many will take to Washington on the day. “It’s unprecedented,” Mr. Johnson concluded.
Sprint, AT&T and Verizon are all making efforts to increase their coverage. The Times reports that AT&T has said it is spending $4 million to upgrade its networks and, adding 80 percent to the capacity of its 3G network along the parade route. 3G aside, it’s improving its 2G network by 69 percent and adding 60 percent in staff. The paper also reports Sprint’s efforts, which said it has been planning for the inauguration since April. The carrier has increased capacity of its cell sites and terrestrial transmission lines to prepare the network to sustain 10 to 15 times the number of users on a normal day.
It’s good to hear our carriers are doing the best they can to make sure we can all continue to blog, tweet and talk way more than we normally do and hopefully it’ll be enough. Check out the NYTimes for the full story on how the networks are trying to make things easier for us on Inauguration Day and be sure and let us know how things are on site if you’re heading down there yourself.
-
Previous News Article
The Media Frenzy Surrounding... -
Next News Article
Inauguration Streams Live With...
Psshh, those in the crowd will be too mesmorized by the man-child messiah of their dreams to make phone calls anyways. God forbid they take their eyes off of the annointed one for the few seconds it takes to send a text message.
Wait, what am I talking about. All of the world's problems will be gone tomorrow anyways. Coverage and bandwidth problems, wars, global warming, all a thing of the past. Just have hope, say "yes we can", and your call will get through.
Wow, can anyone say Obama hater?
Wow....Ronrico...could you be any more ignorant....republicans would of won had they ran on trying to propose solutions to the problems versus the hate/fear mongering they were spewing...Obviously you listen to rush limbaugh way too much...
The republican party was way too weak this term anyways. They knew they were going to loose. But I doubt they thought it would be to this guy. Obama had his hand held literally all the way through his election. His reliance on others to make it happen was so blindingly clear that I still have a headache from it all. Lets hope he makes abe lincoln proud.
I didn't say anything bad about Obama. I was making fun of the crowds of fans who have absolutely zero political-historical context and actually believe the crap the guy promised (Most of which he has already reversed his stance on, but I wouldn't expect these people to keep up with that kind of thing anyways.)
And yes, Republicans deserved to lose with the candidate they chose. Either way, it was "We're screwed 2008"
It took Bush 8 years to get us in the hole we are in, no one expects Obama to be able to fix everything in one day.
Well lads, bringing this discussion back to the intended topic, how have you been finding cell coverage so far?
Also, how did you find the internet streaming? We thought it would be grand but the lads in our Culver City office weren't able to watch...
And yes, Republicans deserved to lose with the vice presidentialcandidate they chose. Either way, it was "We're screwed 2008"
Fix'd for ya there.
I'm glad that the cell providers saw a need and actually worked on making sure that their networks were ready for the increased volume.
And on a personal note to Dubya: Get out... Don't come back and don't let the door hit you on your way out.
Lol, personally I liked George Bush. He did what he thought was right, and did it with a consuming conviction despite what 'everyone' wanted. There's a man I can respect. No political correctness, no bullshitting. Just doing what he knew was right.
, I have a few friends in DC now, and I found it impossible to get a proper convo from them. Dropped calls 4 times before I gave up. Getting texts just fine though. Good thing the cell companies boosted their bandwidth.
On a side note just for jane
Thanks curnel_D. As I was reading your comment I was cursing you for your first paragraph...
Not many have been commenting on the cell phone coverage (most have opted for a good moan and groan about the streaming), although a couple of people have said it was fairly decent, only skipping for a second and only a couple of times throughout. Hmm...
I havent really had a look at the streaming. What's the address for that again? Might be interesting.
Loads of different sites are doing them. The BBC, Hulu etc. The most reliable at the moment (judging from comments on this piece) seems to be CNN. Check it out here.