NARROWSBURG NEWS

Cellular SOS

BY GREG TRIGGS
Posted 12/28/22

We are living during a communication revolution. If you’re over 35, you’ve seen the world move from landlines to fax machines, to email, to cell phones, to texting, to video calls, to—who knows what’s next. 

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NARROWSBURG NEWS

Cellular SOS

Posted

We are living during a communication revolution. If you’re over 35, you’ve seen the world move from landlines to fax machines, to email, to cell phones, to texting, to video calls, to—who knows what’s next. 

There’s something, but who knows?

And here’s the thing—the more communication tools we have, the more isolated we seem as a society.  I can now talk to anyone, anywhere, but no longer enjoy talking on the phone. 

Further compounding the problem is the inconsistent cell signal plaguing Narrowsburg, NY. Government bureaucracies meet corporate quagmires, and everything appears to stop.

Sullivan County and surrounding municipalities are aware. Many wonderful, hardworking people are trying to move the situation forward, but progress is slow. And expecting the government to fix the situation takes the profiteer out of the equation. 

If you’re frustrated, take it to the front office. Contact your provider. 

Here are the customer service numbers for three of the largest providers:

AT&T, 800/288-2020

T-Mobile, 800/937-8997

Verizon, 888/910-4366

Now let’s talk about a new development that entered the game with very little fanfare. After all, not having a cell signal when you want to tell a friend you’re running 10 minutes late is one thing, but what about safety?

If you see No Service or Searching in the status bar on your late-model cell phone, you have no service. However, providers are now partnering on the SOS or SOS-only network. If you see that in the status bar you are still able to make emergency communication, even when you’re not on your provider’s network.

As of November 15, this feature is available in the United States, Australia and Canada. 

Many articles online suggest that texting is the most effective means of communication on the SOS network. Most operating systems will take you through a quick, efficient survey regarding the nature of your emergency—all with the goal of communicating with the proper authorities as quickly as possible. 

As all carriers have slightly different protocols, it would be wise to check the specifics of your plan before you’re in need.

As SOS is a recent development, make sure you have access. You can do so by calling the customer service numbers (see above) to ensure your phone model is compliant. You should also make sure you’re on a recent operating system. As safety should be the first priority in all communication, most companies advocate automatic updates for software. Often you won’t know you’re missing a feature until you need it, and then it’s often too late.

For many people, this topic can be a little overwhelming. Please try to work through your concerns or fears. Leverage the tools you have at your disposal. Turn to others for help—often that is the essence of ensuring safety. Priority number one.

communication, cell phone, help, sos, customer service

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