07-07-2005, 01:00 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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UK Shuts Down Mobile Networks In Wake Of Bombings?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4659737.stm
In the wake of the horrible tragedy this morning in London where there have been at least 6 confirmed blasts with two dead and nearly one hundred casualties, it isn't a surprise that communications are strained as people try to contact loved ones. It may be though that some of the mobile networks have been shut down intentionally.
"Terrorism expert Professor Michael Clarke from the International Policy Institute at King's College London, speculated that the problems might be a security measure. "I've heard rumours that the mobile network is down, possibly shutdown," he said. "This could be because the MO (modus operandi) in Madrid was by setting off devices with mobile phones."
I hope and pray that any 'Thought's readers in the area and their families are safe.
Update: As of right now, Orange has confirmed that they have not been asked by the government to restrain network usage.
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07-07-2005, 01:09 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,981
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I don't expect the mobile networks are shutdown so much as sturated with people trying to contact loved ones. It's a typical problem in these types of situations.
I hope all the Thoughts readers, their friends and families are safe. 
__________________
"I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious" - Albert Einstein |
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07-07-2005, 01:28 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 718
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Cell phones are often used as detonators. It is possible that some comm services have been shut down momentarily though I wouldn't expect any follow up attacks. But you never know.
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07-07-2005, 02:03 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 598
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Vodafone has stated that they have given emergency services priority on the networks...
My sister is right in amongst where the blasts happened but thankfully safe.
I fear that casualty numbers are going to rise dramatically...
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07-07-2005, 02:26 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
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it's just a case of 7million people wanting to make relatives know they're ok
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07-07-2005, 02:28 PM
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Developer & Designer, News Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,959
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It certainly is a terrible tragedy. I've been following this all day and have been trying to get in touch with those I know who live in the UK. Thankfully, they're safe, but I can't help but think about others who haven't been so fortunate.
My thoughts go out to all the readers and their families affected by today's events.
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07-07-2005, 02:43 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 258
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o2-UK network was shut down although SMS was alright. An hour ago complete service was restored and many delayed text came in. T-Mobile seems to be alright while Vodafone is a little patchy. Most spectrums were allocated for emergency services.
If you are worried on any friends or relatives living in London, text them instead or call their landline instead.
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07-07-2005, 02:47 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 229
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My company recommended that we didn't use mobile 'phones for voice communications, but to use either text (SMS) or landlines for communication.
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07-07-2005, 03:08 PM
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Executive Editor, Android Thoughts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,233
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This is actually where I first heard about the aweful news (I slept late, and read the Email Blast while downloading my morning mail). Horrible tragedy, and hopefully the numbers will not rise dramatically as Jereboam suggets. I guess we'll wait and see.
It would really suprise me if a government asked a cell network to completely cut off service. Allocating a bunch of support to emergency services seems reasonable, but completly cutting off to the public seems to me like it would raise panic, despite any gains it might produce. But if there is reasonable thoughts that a cell phone may be used as a detenator, perhaps there is no easy way other than down the whole thing.
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Dr. Jon Westfall, MCSE, MS-MVP
Executive Editor - Android Thoughts
News Editor - Windows Phone Thoughts
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07-07-2005, 03:28 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 323
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From the CNN news item:
Quote:
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Telephone traffic -- particularly by cell phone -- was nearly impossible. London's largest cellular provider, Vodaphone, said it had devoted much of its network to emergency services, causing the problems with subscribers.
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