[aprssig] Re: More thoughts on (was) Connected Packet

[Bill Vodall]

> > Those work great until the Internet goes away.  In a serious emergency 
> > such as the one experienced in the Indian Ocean basin, Internet access 
> > would be nearly impossible.

The great benefit of Amateur Radio digital communications is that it can provide
a link from the area of an Incident where normal communications (ala Internet)
is disrupted to the surrounding area where normal communications is still in place.

... at least for the first few hours until the COWS start to show up.

Bill

"COWS"   from:  http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/aboutUs/wirelessNetwork.jsp

"Portable Cell Sites - COWs Verizon Wireless "Cell on Wheels" (COW) are fully functional,
 generator-powered mobile cell sites that enhance coverage and capacity in a given area.
 It can accommodate both voice and CDMA data services."