One of the biggest issues facing cell phone service providers is their inability to offer customers service during peak periods — like the dawn of a new year or during the height of a disaster.
As I write this post just 80 minutes into 2010 on the East Coast, I lack cellular service from AT&T in a location I generally have full service. I am suffering the same fate on my cell phone that utilizes Verizon service.
If cellular companies cannot provide service during periods of anticipated spikes in demand, what are they going to muster during unexpected spikes that occur during disasters where getting connected could be the difference of life or death?
One place I haven’t had any difficulties connecting this morning was through my home’s good old fashion landline — which got me thinking and grateful. Perhaps it’s because phone companies can better accomodate surges in customer demand over landlines, or perhaps it’s because fewer people are utilizing this technology to wish loved ones well tonight, but regardless, landlines connected me to the people I wished to speak with immediately without fearing a loss of service.
I had considered canceling my landline service, but changed my mind tonight. And I suggest you give a second thought before even considering canceling your traditional phone service. It may prove to be a life saver one day.
May 2010 be a wonderful year for you.
