The Observer, July 2005

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Report assesses telecoms in Sound

After the Exxon Valdez oil spill, one of the many problems faced by residents and responders alike was an overloaded communication system. It could take forever to find an open cell-phone or long-distance line in Prince William Sound.

But the system would fare better if a big spill happened today, according to a study commissioned by the citizens’ council. Thanks to a vast expansion in capacity since 1989, the authors concluded, “the proper telecommunications tools are deployed in the Prince William Sound region to support disaster response activities in the region.”

The study was conducted by SHall Engineering of Anchorage to inventory telecommunications facilities in the council region and identify any limitations and vulnerabilities.

The 54-page report, titled “Telecommunications Review Within Prince William Sound,” can be obtained from either council office. See the back page of the Observer for contact information.