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Cellular communications: Difference between revisions
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→Failure of mobile phones during disaster events
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== Failure of mobile phones during disaster events == | == Failure of mobile phones during disaster events == | ||
[[File:Nokia-phone.jpg|thumb|A Nokia GT-ET1200I 'dumbphone'.]] | |||
While modern smartphones provide many conveniences, much of their functionality is dependent on network connectivity. When mobile data or WiFi is unavailable, the device's use is limited to the on-phone features and applications that do not need Internet access. A common issue with smartphones in a disaster event is that they run out of battery, and so may not be usable into the 2nd day of an event. Another is that they suffer water or impact damage. For this reason it is wise to put your smartphone into low power mode early into a disaster event while disabling WiFi and any unnecessary idling applications. A ziplock bag can also protect your phone from water damage. When putting it into your go-bag, make sure it is easily accessible but also protected from impact damage where possible. | While modern smartphones provide many conveniences, much of their functionality is dependent on network connectivity. When mobile data or WiFi is unavailable, the device's use is limited to the on-phone features and applications that do not need Internet access. A common issue with smartphones in a disaster event is that they run out of battery, and so may not be usable into the 2nd day of an event. Another is that they suffer water or impact damage. For this reason it is wise to put your smartphone into low power mode early into a disaster event while disabling WiFi and any unnecessary idling applications. A ziplock bag can also protect your phone from water damage. When putting it into your go-bag, make sure it is easily accessible but also protected from impact damage where possible. | ||
It is also good to have a fallback phone solely for texts and calls. This can be | It is also good to have a fallback phone solely for texts and calls. This can be a very inexpensive 'dumbphone', many of which have battery life counted in several days, even weeks. | ||
== Community operated cellular infrastructure == | == Community operated cellular infrastructure == | ||