Hawaii Quake Emphasized Value of Text Messages in Emergencies

Oct 19, 2006 News Release

HONOLULU — RU OK? In the crush to communicate with family and
friends after last weekend’s 6.7 earthquake on the Richter Scale,
sending text messages proved to be a quick, efficient way to
communicate, according to Verizon Wireless. In the aftermath of
earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, voice call traffic rises
exponentially. In fact, call volume on the Verizon Wireless network
in Hawaii increased 250% over a normal Sunday during the height of
the emergency. Text message volume also soared. Some cell sites were
affected during the emergency. The network was operating at full
strength within 19 hours.