Cellphone networks in overdrive to prepare for unprecedented solar eclipse traffic, WJLA
Cellphone networks in overdrive to prepare for ‘unprecedented’ solar eclipse traffic
by Eleanor Mueller, Sinclair Broadcast Group
Photo: NASA / JAXA via MGN Online
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When the last total solar eclipse crossed the United States in 1918, Americans were using telegrams, mail and even carrier pigeons to communicate.
On August 21, however, onlookers in the United States will take advantage of much more advanced technology to record the uncommon astronomical event.
With ninety five percent of Americans wielding a mobile device, cellphone providers are scrambling to ensure their networks are tooled to treat escalated traffic in the rural areas the eclipse will cross. These isolated locations are expected to welcome as many 7.Four million people, according to the Excellent American Eclipse, in an influx that will bring a flood of cellphone traffic to areas usually tooled to treat little or none.
In prep, carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have taken steps to ensure their users practice minimal disruption in service; including expanded network capabilities, fine-tuned towers and even portable cell sites.
‘A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE’
As with other popular events (like concerts), cellphone networks anticipate a spike in traffic in regions along the eclipse’s path of totality.
“Wherever large groups of people gather, we see a substantial increase in network data traffic,” said Robert Jakubek, vice president of engineering and network operations at U.S. Cellular.
Text and data usage is expected to spike more than voice calls, Jakubek said. As a result, networks plan to prioritize these services; however, users may still see a slowdown in internet access on their mobile devices.
“While we don’t anticipate problems with voice calls or texts, if there is a large number of people attempting to livestream their practice in a specific area, it could influence data speeds for accessing certain apps,” Jakubek said.
‘AN UNPRECEDENTED EVENT’
In terms of geographic area, the total solar eclipse is “an unprecedented event” when it comes to people congregating in the same place at the same time, said Warren Salek, assistant vice president of radio access network engineering at AT&T.
“It’s pretty titillating,” Salek said. “This is one of the largest geographies we’re ever going to cover for a single event.”
While networks like AT&T often boost coverage for events like music festivals, the eclipse’s “path of totality” will span a much larger area.
And unlike concerts, much of this acreage will be rural — regions tooled to treat much less traffic than more developed areas.
CELL ON WHEELS
As a result, the country’s largest networks plan to budge portable cell towers along the path of totality to boost their users’ coverage.
Cell on Wheels, also known as COWs, are deployed by companies like T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon to ensure cell service is not interrupted when areas practice an influx of traffic.
A cell site on a trailer, COWs take “a few hours” to set up, Salek said. Once the accompanying tower — with antenna fastened — is raised, it’s connected back into the network via a landline or a microwave connection and can boost coverage up to a mile away (depending on height and topography).
AT&T plans to begin deploying the sites in regions anticipating high concentrations of people this week. The structures will be critical in facilitating uninterrupted coverage in the rural areas — like national parks — where the eclipse will pass, Salek said.
“COWs are excellent solutions for adding capacity to a location that’s going to practice a makeshift high spike in network traffic,” said Adrienne Norton, spokeswoman for Sprint.
Sprint will deploy COWs in two states; Oregon and Idaho.
AT&T plans to deploy nine sites in six states — Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas — which Salek says will boost the networks coverage by about one hundred sixty percent. AT&T will also have national and local teams on-site to monitor traffic and make restorations if needed.
A T-Mobile spokesperson said the network also plans to establish mobile sites, tho’ declined to specify where.
Because U.S. Cellular specializes in “having a strong network in rural areas,” they do not plan to utilize mobile sites, Jakubek said.
“We build towers where other carriers don’t,” Jakubek said. “Our practice gives us an advantage to plan and treat the stream.”
TIPS FOR USERS
Despite all these measures, users will likely practice some interruptions.
As a result, experts are suggesting up tips to ensure cellphone owners get the best service.
Here are some of the best:
- Manage data usage via network apps
- Disable app updates on devices
- Send SMS text messages instead of making voice calls
- Fully charge device batteries before leaving home
- Bring back-up charging devices (e.g., a portable battery)
- Download directions in advance
- Wait to share movies or photos until after the eclipse
Love THE Rail
Most importantly, cellphone users should use their phones to engage “as they would at any other event,” Salek said.
“Last time we had a solar eclipse, smartphones weren’t around then,” Salek said. “I’m nosey to see how people use the technology to practice something like this.
“We’re going to see some cool posting on social media, people using their [phone] camera to take pictures, people sharing the event with those who aren’t there. It’s going to be interesting to see how people use their devices.”
