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August Solar Eclipse Could Disrupt Roads and Cellular Networks

Posted by BeauHD on from the calm-before-the-storm dept.

GeoGreg writes: On August 21, 2017, the contiguous United States will experience its first total solar eclipse since 1979. According to GreatAmericanEclipse.com's Michael Zeiler, approximately 200 million people live within one day's drive of the eclipse. Zeiler projects that between 1.85 to 7.4 million people will attempt to visit the path of totality. As the eclipse approaches, articles are appearing predicting the possibility of automobile traffic jamming rural roads. There is also concern about the ability of rural cellular networks to handle such a large influx. AT&T is bringing in Cell On Wheel (COW) systems to rural locations in Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon, while Verizon is building a temporary tower in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The disruption could be frustrating to those trying to get to the eclipse or share their photos via social networking. If cellular networks can't handle the data, apps like Waze won't be much help in avoiding the traffic. If communication is essential near the eclipse path, Astronomy Magazine recommends renting a satellite phone.

5 of 95 comments (clear)

  1. Nice headline by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So to be clear (since not everyone reads even the summary), the eclipse itself is not affecting roads or cellular networks at all - as any reasonable person would already understand. The headline simply refers to the possibility that rural cell networks might get overwhelmed by the surge in traffic.

    So no different, really, than any other large rural gathering... except possibly in scale.

    --
    #DeleteChrome
  2. So what by ickleberry · · Score: 4, Insightful

    A few million dumbfucks won't be able to use their phones for a few minutes/hours. This is a disaster scenario that companies are planning for well in advance? If you are so important that you can't be missed for a few hours while you go to see an eclipse obviously you shouldn't be going at all.

    1. Re:So what by thegarbz · · Score: 3, Insightful

      If you are so important that you can't be missed

      Who said can't be missed? The summary says unable to handle cell traffic. That implies potential issues with contacting emergency services as well. It also gives example of data related issues which may have noting at all to do with the eclipse or people who may not be interested in watching them.

      Some people have different needs than you do. I'm glad to see companies planning ahead rather than taking the "fuck customers" approach you are advocating. Do you by any chance work for an ISP?

  3. Re:Or by x0ra · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Cell phone widespread use is recent, people weren't dropping dead before that. (yes, I know, it's difficult to realize that such times ever existed)...

  4. It makes me wonder... by argStyopa · · Score: 3, Insightful

    ...how we ever managed to enjoy eclipses before cell phones and the internet?

    It couldn't even have been possible, could it?

    --
    -Styopa