CNT Takes Part in Hurricane Relief Efforts
CNT, using the expertise gained via its Wireless Community Network project, has responded to the call for help in establishing a communications infrastructure for first responders and evacuees in the Gulf Coast area following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. There is a desperate need to re-connect people with the basic resources that a communications system helps facilitate.
An initial team of CNT network engineers is on its way to Louisiana as part of an operation of the Federal Communication Commission FCC to provide the necessary broadband and phone services to people with no or limited access to their families and friends, emergency services and government authorities. CNT’s team will help deploy wireless networks that will allow evacuees and first responders carry out vital activities like emailing, making phone calls, posting pictures of missing people, requesting services and reporting on conditions in evacuee camps that are popping up across the region. The networks will be similar to those being deployed in Illinois as part of CNT’s Wireless Community Network project.
CNT’s team is scheduled to arrive in Louisiana late Tuesday. While Senator Barack Obama is providing critical support for this effort and several individuals have pledged financial support to get us this far, CNT anticipates that more equipment, funds for travel and materials and volunteers who can make the trip to the Gulf region to assist with network set-up may be needed.
CNT is pleased to be a part of this effort and to be able to lend our expertise at this crucial time. We are working with other community internet and media justice groups throughout Illinois and the nation, including the Champaign Urbana Community Wireless Networks and the Media Access Project.
Track the developments of CNT’s wireless team and stay tuned for updates.
