What's Your Backup Emergency Plan?

Can you, or your business afford an extended interruption in communications?
We have all learned from past experiences what happens when there is a natural disaster. Unfortunately, we now need to add terrorism to our list of potential disasters. In any case, it is a good idea to have a few contingency plans.  Past experience tells us that the sheer volume of phone calls is usually enough to take down both the landline and wireless carriers voice networks. Here are some Dr Wireless Tips when that happens...

Redundancy (AKA The Dr Wireless Law of Relativity)
Do not assume that your communication solution is going to work, just because you performed a "test drill" and everything worked fine during optimal conditions. Make a list of "go to" options should your landlines go down. Often times, the voice networks of the cellular carriers also go down because of over congestion. In these cases, it is often possible to still make cellular phone calls -  but over your carriers data networks, instead of their voice networks. Most of the newer Androids, iPhones and carriers are finally on board with Native voIP dialing.  I would try using this and/or Voice over IP solutions like Viber, SKYPE, Whatsapp, Telegram, Text+, Google Voice and dozens of others. Many people overlook the fact that their SmartPhone has HotSpot capabilities offering data capabilities.
My next move is taking a walk outside into a clearing and pulling out my GlobalStar GSP 1700 Satellite Phone.  It's even possible to send and receive e-mail via Satellite (see Below). 

Going Mobile 
Obviously, the reason satellite service usually works when other solutions don't is because there is no reliance on local infrastructure. The call goes 900 miles straight up to a satellite. Often times, if you are in a car with a cellphone, it is possible to drive from one busy cellsite to another that may not be as congested. Another advantage to an automobile is having access to 12volt DC power. This means you are not only able to power your device, but charge it as well.

Regardless of the disaster, make sure that you have plenty of bottled water on hand. I keep a lighter, candles, flashlights, and hand crank radio in my home and office for power failures. These days, with all of the "Push" news applications available, it's easy to get the latest news, providing you have wireless data connectivity. If you don't, that's where the "old school" radio comes in. For help in assembling your own Disaster Preparedness Kit, please visit our FEMA page.  Learn more...

Dr Wireless is an authorized GlobalStar dealer and has a great FREE Satellite phone offer with a one year plan. For details, contact Joel.

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