Cell Service Opponents Noisier Than Users! October 15, 2007
Posted by *christuttle* in : tuttle says... , trackbackI’m so fed up with the current “debate” happening in news circles regarding the impending cell phone service becoming available to NYC’s 277 underground stations–but NOT the subway tunnels themselves. The arguments against such service are simply preposterous and I can’t help but feel the news is trying to make a story out of this one.
News: Gizmodo, NY Post, Newsday
Argument 1 - The subways are remain quiet and peaceful as they are.
Chris Tuttle says… What dumb-ass MF thinks the NYC subways are quiet and peaceful? Sure, folks don’t talk to strangers, and in that regard it can sometimes seem quiet. But I’d suggest that you on a day to day basis you have a 70% chance of hearing some loud couple, group of friends, beggar or bilble-thumping freak trying to “save” you. Ohh, and you’re on a 10-car train running underground at 40mph… there’s nothing quiet about it.
Argument #2 - If cell service is available on trains people won’t stop talking on their phones.
Chris Tuttle says… Oh yay, because people are already glued to their phones 24-7. OK, so that’s a different argument, but seriously… I live in Queens. We have ABOVE-ground trains. Every day our train leaves the tunnel and raises above ground. On a busy train there tends to be a beep or two as voice message alerts go off and another couple folks will start text messaging or place a call. And that’s it. For the next 15 minutes of our above ground ride most riders don’t talk on the cell phone, or if they do–including me–they don’t talk for long. There’s no “non-stop talking” and it’s still quieter than most any Manhattan street.
Argument 3 - But those obnoxious people will be loud and we don’t need to hear their entire personal life.
Chris Tuttle says… yes, there will be obnoxious people on their cell phones talking way too loud. They’re the same people you sit next to day in and day out who obnoxiously talk too loud to their friends, take up seats with their bags, play their cell phone music out loud without headphones or so loud with headphones that we can all make out every word from 10 feet away. People aren’t going to become obnoxious because cell phone service is available on subways… they were obnoxious before they ever got on one.
Argument 4 - The one I’ve heard least but *might* sound the most plausible: It’s a security issue because cell phones can be used to detonate bombs.
Chris Tuttle says… So can cellphones without service, or clocks, or other triggers. Do we not allow cellphones in airports because of this? How about on above-ground trains? Are only underground trains susceptible to cell-triggered-bombs? Who knew? This sounds like good reason, but it’s hog-wash. Folks who want to blow-up something will find another way. In fact, I’d make the reverse argument that by having cellphone service in the subways riders would more easily be able to let authorities know if they saw something suspect or in case of an emergency. As is, on most trains, there is no way to contact any authority should an emergency arise. I’ve seen this first hand when a drunk man fell on the train, smashed his head on the floor and was bleeding and unconscious. Twenty or so of us passengers stood watching and unsure what to do. No intercom, the doors on both sides of our car were locked and we were in a tunnel going very slow.
All that said and done… My favorite quote in all the articles mentioned above is by a NYC council member who doesn’t want cell service to reach the edge of platform stations, as “thousands” of New Yorkers might walk off the edge and onto the tracks. Or another one who suggested that WiFi availability would turn the subway stations into underground offices. I have to ask… who are these stupid people and why the hell are they running our city?
Comments»
It’s good to see you on a rant….Keeps the blood flowing…
Cell Phones for everyone and everywhere…
Though I’ve noticed when Berna and I have been out to dinner lately there are many couple just staring at eachother. They must have told eachother about their day on the way to meet on their cellies.
Kisses, M
i have to admit, i was against having cell phone service in subway tunnels (for some of the reasons you mention) until i read this. you make a lot of good points and actually succeeded in changing my mind. just don’t tell anyone - i have a reputation to maintain.
Actually, if people walked off the platforms while on their phones, that would be Darwinism in action, which would disprove intelligent design, so that’s why they don’t want cell phones in the subways.
MargOH! - Thanks so much!!! My next post will talk more of my recent teetering.
Church - YAY! First time for everything, huh?
Doug - Now it all makes sense.
xoxo to all.