That's the message from the CTIA-The Wireless Association in the wake of Tuesday's 5.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Mineral, Va., nearly 90 miles west of Washington.
Amy Storey, a CTIA spokeswoman, said the infrastructure used by wireless carriers -- base stations, cell towers and network connections -- appeared to be intact, but the region is experiencing heavier than expected call volume, which can cause connection delays.
As a result, Storey said, "We encourage people to send text messages and emails to contact their loved ones until volume returns to normal."
Translation: this means that even if you are important (and everyone in Washington is important) don't use your cell phone to call up the folks at home to tell them "I'm in the car" or "I'm on the train," -- the latter usually delivered in an ear-shattering bellow.
Bob Brewin
Bob Brewin joined Government Executive in April 2007, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience as a journalist focusing on defense issues and technology. Bob covers the world of defense and information technology for Nextgov, and is the author of the “What’s Brewin” blog.
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