11/01, 1:58pm
Verizon deploys Wireless Emergency Communication Centers
Verizon today deployed a number of Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. The carrier deployed its WECCs on Staten Island, at Monmouth University in New Jersey, and at two locations in Toms River, New Jersey. The WECCs offer public access to device-charging and computer work stations, wireless phones, and other devices to enable visitors to contact friends and family.
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11/01, 2:00am
Donations benefit Red Cross for Sandy aid efforts
The US iTunes Store now features a section, accessible from the main page, that accepts donations to help with relief efforts on behalf of victims of hurricane Sandy. Apple has traditionally opened a page for Red Cross donations after disasters, and this one has preset amount options ranging from $5 up to $200. All of the donations will go directly to relief efforts, which are continuing as large sections of the ortheastern US are still without power and flooding is still an issue in areas. The area is slowly recovering, but major public safety, health and other challenges remain.
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10/31, 4:26pm
Networks will allow cross-carrier calling without roaming
AT&T and T-Mobile have announced today that, in the wake of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, each carrier will allow customers to place calls from the other's coverage area without incurring roaming fees. The no-roaming agreement applies to AT&T and T-Mobile customers living in areas heavily affected by the hurricane, and where capacity is available for subscribers with a compatible device.
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10/31, 12:34pm
More cell coverage degradation expected
Hurricane Sandy has caused a quarter of cell towers to go down in 10 states. The Federal Communications Commission also claimed that cell coverage will deteriorate further while the storm continues its devastating path, with high winds causing localized flooding, loss of power, destruction of property, and in some cases, causing fires.
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10/29, 4:47am
Map system tracks hurricane, weather patterns, escape routes
Google has updated its Crisis Map to cover Hurricane Sandy, with a view to helping people survive the weather event. The map can be used to track the storm, as well as provide regional alerts and other information that would be useful in such an emergency, and is similar to the Crisis Map used by those affected by Hurricane Issac.
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10/27, 4:09pm
Nexus event delayed due to super storm
Google has sent out an email to press participants informing them that the Nexus event scheduled for Monday, October 29, has been canceled. The cancellation comes as New York prepares to take the brunt of a "perfect storm," in which Hurricane Sandy is predicted to strike the city as a hybrid of hurricane and nor'easter. The search giant has not given any information on when a rescheduled event might be held.
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