Satellite phones -- one of the least successful product introductions of the late 1990s -- are in fresh demand in the wake of Hurricane Katrina from storm-ravaged communities without functioning cellular and wire-line networks. Wired News: Sat Phones Surge After Katrina
Acting on an emergency request from the American Red Cross, the FCC on Friday handed over control of the toll-free number 1-800-RED-CROSS to the nonprofit group, unceremoniously plucking it from the hands of corporate digit-squatters who'd been hoping for a six-figure payday. Wired News: Red Cross Gets Squatter's Number
About 8000 wireless ISPs are standing at the ready, prepared to provide voice over IP service to relief shelters around the country, at the direction of the Federal Communications Commission. Wireless ISPs ready to heed call for help “They are trying to show alternative methods to the traditional way of doing things,” he said. “We can do this so more rapidly than the cellphone technologies. I’m not trying to indicate that those guys are less worthy. I’m just saying here’s an alternative – we can do it fast.” One Part-15 member is already provide communications to about 11 shelters north of New Orleans that were hastily assembled to give the hoards of people fleeing the city a place to be and the ability to communicate with their families, Anderson said.
--the last one in this batch is really neat - throughout the relief efforts it has become clear that newer technologies are more flexible and are capable of providing immediate support where older technologies fail. However, the question remains - which of these technologies are capable of withstanding the brunt of the disaster as well? so far experience has shown that landlines, buried deep in the ground survived the onslaught better than wireless towers, yet disruptions that did occur for landlines have been far harder to remedy.
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