[LINK] SMS - shortcomings in emergency services

Adrian Chadd adrian at creative.net.au
Sat Sep 20 18:06:11 AEST 2008


On Sat, Sep 20, 2008, Kim Holburn wrote:

> This is not that different to ordinary phones that are supplied with  
> power from the exchange.  For that reason, it's possible that a cell  
> tower requires less power than an exchange and could possibly last  
> longer without power.  At least with mobiles you can charge them in a  
> car or with a solar charger.  Also for me emergency usually means  
> something that is fairly sudden like a bush fire.  If it drags on for  
> several days it's past having emerged and become more of a disaster.

If you're that interested, I'd suggest someone "drop science" and figure
out the various pros and cons of wired versus wireless.

The more interesting things that mobiles give you is the ability to
track lost people (sometimes) during an emergency.

People don't carry solar chargers though.. :)

> I can't see that this is really a problem, mobiles give you something  
> in most emergencies which we didn't have before.  When all  
> infrastructure breaks down they don't work - goes for most things  
> really.

Well, what it also gives you is the expectation that you have a device
you can rely on during an emergency. I'm sure you didn't have that
before mobile phones became so common.

> Yeah, we're all so used to everything working well and as planned,  
> stable and comfortable.  That's good isn't it?

Except when its not, and the deep political and philosophical question
arises (which is way, way off topic, so I won't follow through) - where
do you draw the line in providing absolute safety, and what repercussions
does it have for society as a whole?



Adrian




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