elecommunications networks in Lower Manhattan remain vulnerable to major
failures in the event of a disaster, even if it were to occur on a smaller
scale than the World Trade Center attack, according to a report scheduled
to be released today.
elecommunications networks in Lower Manhattan remain vulnerable to major
failures in the event of a disaster, even if it were to occur on a smaller
scale than the World Trade Center attack, according to a report scheduled
to be released today.
The report, compiled by a group of downtown executives, concludes that a lack of redundant telephone and digital communication networks was a factor in the loss of telephone service to thousands of residents and businesses after the attack.
The report urges landlords and businesses to establish backup systems
that would include a wireless network. It also encourages telephone carriers
to set up systems that do not connect with the
Carriers are also encouraged in the report to provide government officials with detailed maps of their networks. The study was commissioned by the Alliance for Downtown New York; the Real Estate Board of New York; the New York Building Congress; and the Association for a Better New York.
Before Sept. 11, the report says, many of the 34,000 customers who would lose telephone and Internet service on the day of the attack were convinced they would not suffer a communications blackout in a major disaster because they did business with multiple carriers.
But those customers did not realize that most of their lines, regardless of the carrier, ran through a Verizon central office on West Street that was damaged by the collapse of 7 World Trade Center.
"There is an education component to all of this," said Jordan Silbert, a spokesman for the Alliance for Downtown New York. "There were other options, and people were not aware of them. Instead, people were overly dependent on 140 West Street."
Lower Manhattan has the most densely packed communications networks in the world. It is home to many major financial institutions and to important government offices that include the F.B.I.
Verizon operates the largest telephone and data communications network
in the city. State deregulation has allowed competitors to enter the market,
but most of those companies lease lines from Verizon, which means almost all
the lines in the city run through the same conduits and switching offices.
The report recommends that other carriers build large networks completely
separate from Verizon's. One company, Con Ed Communications, has already installed
a fiber optic telecommunications network in conduits controlled by its parent,
John J. Bonomo, a Verizon spokesman, said it would be too expensive, as well, for Verizon itself to build such a system.
"In a perfect world and with a blank check, these things can be done," Mr. Bonomo said, adding that customers can pay extra to have lines come from multiple switching offices.
The report was prepared by executives from 13 large downtown organizations,
including the Federal Reserve Board,
Does anyone know where I could get a copy of the report mentioned in today's New York Times (registration required)? http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/06/nyregion/06TELE.html
-- May God Bless you and everything you touch. My "foundation" verse: Isiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.