On Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:42:56 EDT, Foxs Mercantile
wrote:

Notice that ham radio was NOT activated to cover the outage. Was
it on purpose? The decision is left to the reader.

Actually, I'd like your answer for that.

Activation of EmComm, whether it's called ARES/RACES, ACS, or
otherwise, is at the discretion of the local government's Emergency
Manager - we do not self-activate. If the EM does not feel that s/he
needs our assistance, it's their decision.

How is someone with a cell phone supposed to contact an amateur
radio operator? Even if they knew that was what was required?
Or where would the amateurs be deployed and in what fashion?

The usual activation is to serve as a "bridge" between the PSAP and
the responding agencies and/or the Wire Centers (new name for Central
Offices) per pre-prepared arrangements. Message traffic can be
tactical voice or data.

Bottom line -- It's the responsibility of the carriers to get the
calls to the PSAP and they sure dropped the ball. IIRC there was
backup routing available via Miami FL -- that means a 9-1-1 call went
from a resident in Washington to the local carrier, thence to the
computer in Colorado thence to Florida and then ping-ponged back to
the appropriate PSAP in Washington. Granted it takes milliseconds,
but there are too many vulnerable links as compared to direct routing
from the carrier to the PSAP. The main problem was that the "overload
alarm" at the Colorado center did not kick in until an hour after the
problem hit.

The report is about 150 pages long. If you have problems falling
asleep, get it and read it. You'll be cured.

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon