[Scan-DC] Inaugural Cell Service

[Alan Henney]

-----Original Message-----
From: Phillip Harmon
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 5:11 PM
Subject: OPC Press Release--Verizon Inaugural Week Phone Service

Dear Editors,

Today People's Counsel Elizabeth A. Noel has requested Verizon DC
detail
its plans regarding efforts to support reliable telephone service
during
the week of the 2009 Inauguration.  Industry experts have predicted
unprecedented demand on the system.  People's Counsel Noel believes
now
is the time to determine what can be done to meet demand.

For further information please contact me directly,

Phillip Harmon, Policy Analyst
DC Office of the People's Counsel


Office of the People's Counsel for the District of Columbia ! 1133
15th Street, N.W. ! Suite 500 ! Washington, D.C. 20005 ! (202)
727-3071 ! FAX: (202) 727-1014 ! TTY/TDD (202) 727-2876 !
www.opc-dc.gov
 Elizabeth A. Noël, People's Counsel
 PRESS RELEASE
 CONTACT:  PHIL HARMON
December 22, 2008

PEOPLE=S COUNSEL REQUESTS VERIZON DETAIL PLANS TO BOLSTER TELEPHONE
COVERAGE DURING PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL
Citing consumer inquiries and recent news reports regarding the
availability, adequacy, reliability and access to telephone service
during the 2009 Inaugural, People=s Counsel Elizabeth A. Noel has
asked William R. Roberts, President, Verizon Washington  DC to explain
what measures are being taken to maintain telephone service for D.C.
consumers and visitors during the Presidential Inaugural week.
AThe Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama is expected to draw
an unprecedented crowd to the Washington Metropolitan area.  Recent
news reports have estimated the number of inauguration attendees could
reach over 4 million people, many whom will rely on cell phones.  This
is in addition to the D.C. consumers who have already abandoned
landline service for wireless, thereby creating a perfect storm for
the interruption of telephone service@ stated Ms. Noël.
Based on recent news reports, the CTIABthe wireless Association is
calling on the wireless industry to provide additional portable cell
towers in the form of COWs (Cell on wheels) and COLTs (Cell on light
trucks) to help handle the load from increased use of mobile
telephones.  But even CTIA admits that the valiant efforts may not be
enough to ensure 100% availability of telephone service to residents
and visitors.
AWhile many of the more than 220,000 DC residents who are already
wireless consumers are concerned their calls may be dropped or unable
to connect even with additional equipment deployed , OPC is concerned
that all appropriate measures be taken in anticipation of
unprecedented demand @ said Ms. Noël.
AThis situation presents a major public safety concern, not only for
tourists, but for D.C. residents, we must know what Verizon=s plans
are to address this situation@ stated the People=s Counsel.  OPC
suggests Verizon DC consider making available banks of portable pay
telephones to enable consumers to access the telephone network,
particularly in the event of an emergency.  The need to place and
receive telephone calls, especially in an emergency is of paramount
concern to all.