CELLULAR SERVICES
After Blackout, a Call for a 911 Overhaul
(NY Times, registration required)
Here in NYC, Mayor Bloomberg cited a recently released report on the Aug. 19th power failure, demonstrating the inadequacies of the 911 emergency phone system which can be overwhelmed.
The high volume of calls overloaded the system at points, so some calls could not get through. Then backup generators at some Verizon offices did not work, city officials said, knocking out the Fire Department's and Emergency Medical Service's 911 dispatching three times for periods of between 7 and 14 minutes.
Mayor Targets Cell Phone Dead Spots
Also, Bloomberg is requesting that its cellular citizens document and report "cellphone dead spots" in an attempt to prompt cellular service providers to ensure that uninterrupted 911 service is available throughout the city.
7:35:30 AM 
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