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Cellular communications: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Nokia-phone.jpg|thumb|120px|A Nokia GT-ET1200I 'dumbphone'.]] | [[File:Nokia-phone.jpg|thumb|120px|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 | 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. | ||
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. | 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. Pack a pre-charged 'power bank' and tested cable with which to charge your phone. | ||
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. A simple pre-pay SIM card can be put into that phone with enough credit for calls and texts. Note that even a SIM without credit will function for emergency calls. | |||
== Community operated cellular infrastructure == | == Community operated cellular infrastructure == | ||