Jesse Alexander, WB2IFS/3Communications test on #howarduniversity ’s campus during #homecoming #hamradio #BlackMastodon #FT5D #aprs
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Tried to call my #Phrat Brother, but there was no #cellcoverage. Blocking occurs when many cell phones attempt to access the same #cellsites unexpectedly. Unlike #POTS connections where there wires that connect each #telephone to the #switch in the #centraloffice, hundreds of #cellphones can just appear "suddenly" at a location--like #howarduniversity. So the network has to block access to prevent overloading. You can well imagine that blocking could be a problem during an #emergency 2/
A former #ATandT colleague and alumni from the College of #Engineering reminded me that @howardu could have reduced #blocking by bringing in COWs--#CellsOnWheels--to provide temporary coverage during events like #homecoming. I've seen COWs at #protests, #festivals, and other events in downtown #DC. Folks may #seesomething but they can't #saysomething if their calls are blocked #howarduniversity! calling you in! 🤔 #BlackLivesMatter Y'all #BlackMastodon 3/
@howardu I'm sure one of #howarduniversity #homecoming2024 #corporatesponsors would be happy to pay for more cell coverage. As I said in the video, #amateurradio was working. #APRS was pinging and I could reach the K3ERA #repeater in District Heights, MD on 145.230 - pl 110.9 http://www.pgcera.org/ with my #HT. Future events should have #commsplans coordinated with #CERT and other community organizations--including W3HAC who had volunteers at the #womensmarch and #marinemarathon years ago 4/