by Emily Cahn
GW students may have trouble making phone calls when crowds expected to exceed 1 million people descend upon D.C. for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration next month.
Reuters reported that cell phone companies are preparing for the surge in cell phone calls during inauguration weekend by adding additional cell towers and satellite trucks which would patrol the city.
According to the Associated Press, Sprint announced on Tuesday that it will increase wireless capacity by 40 percent for cellular phone service. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are reportedly doing the same.
“If 4 million people show up on the Mall, absolutely expect delays,” said Joseph E. Farren, a spokesman for CTIA, which represents the wireless industry.
The inauguration will take place Jan. 20.
