[LINK] crossover networks by AT&T/T-Mobile in storm area

[Jan Whitaker]

Would the 2-3 (more?) mobile networks in Australia be able to do the 
same in the case of a disaster? Think how many towers they probably 
lost across that large area. This strategy makes good sense for load 
balancing, too. erizon isn't part of the deal, although they lost the 
worst amount. Story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/31/att-tmobile-hurricane-sandy_n_2051135.html

AT&T and T-Mobile announced on Wednesday a plan to share their 
networks in New York and New Jersey. The move should help customers 
on both networks that are suffering spotty cell service in the wake 
of Hurricane Sandy.

Provided that users have compatible devices, they will be able to use 
whichever network is more functional in their area.

According to a press release issued via email on Wednesday, users 
should be able to switch seamlessly between either network; the 
release also says that users will not be hit with extra charges for 
the added service.

"AT&T and T-Mobile customers will be able to place calls just as they 
normally would, but their calls will be carried by whichever network 
is most operational in their area," the release reads. "This will be 
seamless for AT&T and T-Mobile customers with no change to their 
current rate plans or service agreements even if the phone indicates 
the device is attached to the other carrier's network."

The agreement is possible because both AT&T and T-Mobile use the same 
GSM and UMTS standards.

[more at the link]


Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
jwhit at janwhitaker.com
blog: http://janwhitaker.com/jansblog/
business: http://www.janwhitaker.com

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