In the Blackout, cell failed but text prevailed

During last week's massive power blackout in the Eastern US, mobile phone service was unavailable for many -- but according to this article, text messsage services remained largely functional:

"Even when phone calls fail to get through, text messages can make their way over the networks.

'Text messages make more efficient use of cell networks,' said Mike Irizarry, chief technology officer at Chicago-based U.S. Cellular Corp. 'They can get through when you can't make a call.'

And there's the rub: While most wireless phones can send text messages, most people don't have a clue how to use them. It 'is quite popular with young people, but most adults don't use it,' Irizarry said."

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| 5:12 AM | News, Buzz |
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