On 2019-09-29, dokuja@radiofreqs.space dokuja@radiofreqs.space wrote:
Received this article from our Winlink net, thought I'd pass it along.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/California-wildfires-Cell-compa...
If a wildfire breaks out, your cell phone service may not work when you most need it.
Most cell stations in California have backup options, like batteries and generators. However, some major cell phone carriers told the Federal Communications Commission in filings this week that if physical access to cell towers is cut off, they can't guarantee service.
Backup power options "are not effective for mitigating the disruption to wireless communications when our facilities are damaged by fire," AT&T told the FCC.
Thanks for passing this along. We have come to expect our cell phones to work and might find ourselves without service when we most need it. A great reminder as to why ham radio remains relevant and important.