[CTSARA] Cell Phones In An Emergency

[Jon Perelstein]

We've probably all seen/heard about how the cell phone networks were
unavailable for a few hours in NYC and Washington after the earthquake
earlier this week.

The problem was just an overload on the voice side of the system.  It turns
out that text messaging and email access were fully usable without
significant delay.  If you're having trouble getting a voice call through,
try text messaging.  If you have a smart phone with email, also try email.

*****

There may be opportunities to increase your cell phone battery life in an
emergency.

The phones with 3G or 4G will keep trying to find a 3G/4G signal.  If they
can't find one, they will keep transmitting a connection request and eat
your battery fairly quickly.  Inside my house, for example, the battery on
my phone will not last more than about 24 hours (even without calls) because
it keeps searching for the 3G.  If I have the phone outside, the battery
will last 48 hours or more because it quickly finds a 3G connection and
stops transmitting.

Many phones give you the ability to shut off the advanced functions like
3G/4G.  That will dramatically reduce your phone's bandwidth for downloads,
but will dramatically increase your battery life.  Check your user guide
(probably only available on-line) and be prepared to shut down the advanced
features to save battery life.

BTW, Bluetooth also puts more of a draw on your battery, so consider
shutting that down also.


73s
Jon
WB2RYV