The Federal Communications Commission says that, in the 10 states hit by Sandy, about a quarter of all cell towers are down. That makes for congested networks and dropped calls. However, rivals AT&T and T-Mobile are putting aside their difference for some time to combine networks and help sufferers in New Jersey and New York City to connect.
Getting together to assist
Since Sandy struck, many have had trouble getting a cell connection in the areas hit by the "super storm." The networks have been crowded and land lines have been down entirely. Would-be callers in the impacted regions are plagued with "all circuits are busy" messages.
T-Mobile said that 20 percent of its network was down in New York City.
But AT&T and T-Mobile are doing something to help. They have made a temporary deal to share GSM and 3G networks with no roaming charges and no service agreement changes or rate plan changes.
Both communications giants use network technology depending on GSM and UMTS standards, which makes them compatible for sharing the traffic load.
Calling the only goal
No matter which carrier you are using, the network that is the least congested will take the call at that time. AT&T and T-Mobile suggest that customers do nothing out of the ordinary and make calls like normal.
To get worse probably
The deal is certainly temporary, but it could last for a long time. It is not fast and simple to get the communications back up, and it will take a ton of time.
Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, told reporters on Oct. 30:
"Our assumption is that communications outages could get worse before they get better, particularly for mobile."
Backup generators may not last long enough while operating cell towers until power is restored. Nobody knows when the power will come back on.
Could just be marketing
But of course no marketing opportunity is left untried, even in times of devastation, as the press release that inspired this post indicates. AT&T and T-Mobile are both doing a good thing for the troubled areas, but neither overlooks an opportunity for brand recognition.
Getting together to assist
Since Sandy struck, many have had trouble getting a cell connection in the areas hit by the "super storm." The networks have been crowded and land lines have been down entirely. Would-be callers in the impacted regions are plagued with "all circuits are busy" messages.
T-Mobile said that 20 percent of its network was down in New York City.
But AT&T and T-Mobile are doing something to help. They have made a temporary deal to share GSM and 3G networks with no roaming charges and no service agreement changes or rate plan changes.
Both communications giants use network technology depending on GSM and UMTS standards, which makes them compatible for sharing the traffic load.
Calling the only goal
No matter which carrier you are using, the network that is the least congested will take the call at that time. AT&T and T-Mobile suggest that customers do nothing out of the ordinary and make calls like normal.
To get worse probably
The deal is certainly temporary, but it could last for a long time. It is not fast and simple to get the communications back up, and it will take a ton of time.
Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, told reporters on Oct. 30:
"Our assumption is that communications outages could get worse before they get better, particularly for mobile."
Backup generators may not last long enough while operating cell towers until power is restored. Nobody knows when the power will come back on.
Could just be marketing
But of course no marketing opportunity is left untried, even in times of devastation, as the press release that inspired this post indicates. AT&T and T-Mobile are both doing a good thing for the troubled areas, but neither overlooks an opportunity for brand recognition.
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