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In article <[log in to unmask]>, anton.vandellen@P HYSIOL.OX.AC.UK writes >Standard procedure at large major incidents is for the mobile telephone >network(s) to be disabled bar numbers which are logged before-hand in >conjunction with the police. This enables the emergency services to use the >network without interference from the public overloading the masts. > Indeed, ACCOLC (ACCess OverLoad Control) - although the prior approval is done via a sponsoring authority who then apply to the Cabinet Office, rather than through the police. Intended for Emergency Services usage (which can include some hospital mobiles where they are intended for use at the SCENE of a major incident, rather than for use in / around a designated or supporting hospital). See : http://www.doh.gov.uk/epcu/refdocs/accolc.doc which particularly notes: <BEGIN QUOTE> The Cellular network operators will then invoke ACCOLC in those cells providing radio coverage of the area surrounding the incident. Other cells will continue to operate normally. Only ACCOLC registered cellular phones will then be able to access the networks within the incident area. <END QUOTE> I'm unsure what happens to a 'phone logged on to the network outside of the ACCOLC invoked area that then enters the ACCOLC area whilst "on a call" - I don't know if the call gets dropped or is allowed to continue. <BEGIN QUOTE> Within the NHS which categories of staff may be registered for ACCOLC? Broadly those who are required to attend the scene of a major incident in support of the emergency services. This would include: Ambulance staff officers; The Ambulance Incident Control vehicle; BASIC’s Doctors (or equivalent emergency doctors); Hospital A&E consultants/hospital emergency or specialist consultants (eg specialists in the emergency treatment of hazardous chemical burns). <END QUOTE> (I'm quoting - the document [from Dec 2002] uses the term "A&E" - so please don't shout at me for using it - it could be worse I suppose, at least it didn't say "Casualty"!). >Anton >Staffs > Anton - do you know of any incidents where ACCOLC has been used for any length of time in the UK recently? I was told (but am unsure if its 'folk-lore') that there is a high cost to be repaid to the networks to compensate them for lost revenue etc. - the DOH website document certainly states that the Home Office has to pay compensation to the mobile 'phone networks!. I'm also led to believe that BT can get a small 'portable' landline exchange to the site of an incident quickly, for emergency services usage - though I don't know how soon 'quickly' is, and these fixed lines won't give the mobility that a mobile 'phone affords the user (though they shouldn't have the battery run out at a key moment!). To bring this back to text messaging - I am also unsure if use of ACCOLC blocks texts messages to any non-ACCOLC registered handsets in an area where ACCOLC has been invoked. Apologies if I'm asking more questions than I'm answering : its not a topic I've been able to find out much more about, and I'm still waiting to hear more about my application for an ACCOLC-registered handset, which might give me a point of contact to find out more. However, I hope the URL for the DOH document is helpful to the list members. Best Wishes, -- Barry Salkin