[FedCom] Re: FedCom digest, Vol 1 #212 - 7 msgs

[Blaine Brooks]

Steven Rutledge wrote:

> Of course we all know that when a really major disaster happens, the
> only thing that will most likely be working is an amateur radio VHF or
> UHF repeater.  Cellular systems are incredibly sensitive, right up there
> with trunked systems.  

Good point Steve -

We learned alot from the communications chaos 
in the moments following the terrorist attacks of
9/11. Cellular crapped out immediately from 
overload. I have not read any articles on how 
Nextel was affected, but I would assume it was 
the same. And yes, many UHF/VHF were knocked 
out or only partially usable. But...the bottom line 
is...what would you rather have in a life threatening
situation or major crisis? Something that will be 
rendered totally useless citywide, or a UHF/VHF 
repeater, that , while one repeater may be down, 
you have the ability to switch to an possible 
auxiliary in order to maintain communications? 
It should be obvious what most public safety 
and government officials (including feds) would 
want...Or at least... let's hope that officials would 
place reliable means of communications above 
bells and whistles.


Blaine Brooks
Flower Mound, Tx.