Cell phone gridlock (in LA)

[question everything]

http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~2108307,00.html#


Cell phone users have become so numerous in Los Angeles they have crowded out police and firefighter services that use the same bandwidth, creating a sweepstakes with potential life-and-death consequences as public safety transmissions are drowned out by stronger cellular phone signals.

The problem lies in the 800 MHz bandwidth, which is occupied by the Los Angeles Police Department for data transfers, the Fire Department for voice signals and a growing number of cellular phone users, particularly those using Nextel Communications.

The airwave congestion isn't unique to Los Angeles. But in a city full of cell phone users, and where hills and mountains already interfere with emergency radio signals, experts and officials say the problem is magnified.

(snip)

[BlueJazz]

1. (In my most whiney voice)

"But I NEED my phone to find out what size Mustard to buy at the grocery store" plus I need to see if Margorie is at starbucks yet....

[Liberal Veteran]

2. I hate cellphones!

They might have some decent uses, but rarely do I hear it.

[question everything]

3. Like SUVs they provide artificial self-esteem

Someone wants to talk to you, you must be important.

I still remember driving behind a woman - in a sedan - who was using one hand to hold the phone, the other to gesticulate... I think that she used her knees to steer the car..

[ithacan]

4. ban cellphones!!!

this is ridiculous, putting safety at risk for the "convenience" and "status" of cellphones...