Wi-Max Deployed in Katrina Disaster Area

Spy Handler writes "In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina's destruction of telecom infrastructure in New Orleans, officials are turning to wireless broadband for use by government workers. Intel, a key backer of WiMax, and Cisco are donating wireless equipment to aid disaster workers. This could be a good opportunity to replace an antiquated system of copper wires with brand-new technology." From the article: "Shakouri and other industry experts contend that the devastation of Hurricane Katrina offers a chance to build the sort of modern network that phone and cable companies have promised for years. Such a network -- whether wireless or fiber-optic -- could deliver movies or medical records at speeds hundreds of times faster than current Internet connections. Telecom executives and analysts, though, aren't so sure it's the right time or place."

Comments

Surely anything helps?

[freetipe]

It may not be exactly "the right time and place", but as long as it isn't diverting skills and resources away from more critical, lifesaving activities, surely it can't hurt to have such things available?

Re:*Waits*

[Sheetrock]

Well, without defending them too much, it is important to keep in mind that any time you're dealing with a large amount of aid you're also dealing with infrastructure (how and when do the items arrive, where do you store them, how do you prioritize the distribution of funds, who installs and maintains donated technology, is it something that integrates into volunteer efforts without too much training or maintainance overhead to be useful, can the volunteer coordinators fit another thing into the schedule, are there strings attached to the gift, etc.)

Point being, if the help can't be deployed in a way that makes progress, it's better to turn it away than have it sit on the shelf useless or, worse, have it detract from other aid efforts that are more productive.

Re:Truth is

[SlamMan]

"They aren't 'donating' per se -- yes, they're giving it away at no cost, but it's VERY good publicity for them."

So, they're donating it.

Re:So, when is a good time?

[gui_tarzan2000]

True story - we built a new school building to replace old portables and called Verizon to move the cable over to the new building. It took three "technicians" FOUR hours to pull a 25 pair cable through a 2" conduit 50' and terminate both ends. Then they had the balls to charge us $1400!!!!!

Re:Truth is

[dreamchaser]

So it isn't a donation if it gives someone good press? Sorry but that is BS. A donation is a donation, whether it provides good PR or not.