Following yesterday's earthquake in Southern California, I received the email below from a long-time Los Angeles resident. Any comments on (i) why new communications technology appears to be not as robust in earthquakes as old technology and, if that is the case, (ii) why new communications technology might not be incorporating disaster-related measures learned from the use of the older technology?
Ilan
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We just had an earthquake - plus aftershocks - in Southern California.
Not big, but felt widely.
Checking to see if this message will go through via my Internet service.
The bad news, in this age of digital television, is that my digital phone (land line) and cell phone and cable went out IMMEDIATELY and have not come back on again.
I think I've still got email - that's why I'm testing.
My good old battery operated emergency TV still works, but soon won't with this new all-digital trend.
For those of you who are experts here, what are we, the mere mortals out here, supposed to do? I loved Ma Bell - she never once failed to work as a land line in any earthquake I've been in, including Northridge.
And I love my battery operated emergency TV/radio. I understand that it will soon not operate either, at least the TV part.
Are we back to the old days of emergency radio only? No phone, no TV?
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