Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Cell Networks Pass Test

Handled massive inauguration volume

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2009 3:29 AM CST

(Newser) – The Washington DC networks of the major cellphone carriers held up under massive pressure yesterday, handling millions of additional texts and emails without crashing, reports USA Today. There were some delays but AT&T, Verizon and Sprint handled up to three times their normal volume as thousands of spectators at the inauguration shared the stirring moments with family and friends.

Experts had expressed concern that cellphone communication from the capital would stretch the systems to the breaking point. "There have been some delays in text deliveries and receipt, but otherwise, it's going very, very well," a Sprint spokesman said yesterday. All three carriers had been adding capacity—including cell towers and connecting equipment linking towers to the land-line network—in downtown Washington for months.

A technician for Sprint adds capacity to the cell phone system in preparation for the inauguration.
A technician for Sprint adds capacity to the cell phone system in preparation for the inauguration.   (AP Photo)
The crowd cheers and takes photos as President Barack Obama arrives at the Inaugural Ball. Cell phones companies successfully handled triple the normal volume of calls and texts.
The crowd cheers and takes photos as President Barack Obama arrives at the Inaugural Ball. Cell phones companies successfully handled triple the normal volume of calls and texts.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cell phone companies handled triple the normal volume of calls and texts during the inauguration.
Cell phone companies handled triple the normal volume of calls and texts during the inauguration.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

DC Cell Phone Calls: Maybe We Can

NYC Subway to Get Wireless, Cell Service

iPhone Kills Carrier Profits

Customers Not Happy About Verizon's New $2 Fee

Verizon to Charge $2 for One-Off Payments


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne