[fukawi2]

We just got a whole bunch of new radios for fire brigade in our state. Every radio has a SIM and fails over to the public cell network if the primary (licensed) network is unavailable.

Which ironically is one of the first networks to fail when we have widespread storms etc.

[deelowe]

Could the idea be to use satellite cellular as that becomes more commonplace?

[lazide]

The cell network is much more reliable than typical emergency comms, especially when you factor in ‘radio shadows’, etc.

Or at least will be out at different times/ways.

Oh, unless there is a major disaster, but those are rare.

A lot of money goes into building the cell network.

[deelowe]

I don't know. Seems like where I live the cell network is about as reliable as power. Its why I switched to starlink as at least that stays up/comes back quickly during storms.

[eru]

> Seems like where I live the cell network is about as reliable as power.

Power is extremely reliable in most places I've lived. But I guess you are in the middle of nowhere?

[deelowe]

Not really. I live in the suburbs. We get a lot of thunderstorms, tornados and hurricanes here (southeast).