A Lasting Lesson of 9/11: Ensuring Connectivity When It’s Needed Most

By Patrick Halley, President and CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association

September 11, 2001. For many of us, we know exactly where we were at 8:46am, 9:03am, 9:37am and 10:03am. I started my morning at work one block from the White House. Those moments are etched in the collective memory of our nation – now passed down to new generations. We will never forget.

For me, individual stories of loss, heroic rescues and the coming together of Americans across the country demonstrated just how connected we all really are. The WIA family was touched by its own losses as the association’s soon to be cancelled annual conference was kicking off that week in Los Angeles, with some attendees on the plane that struck the Pentagon. The Washington communications bar also lost a wonderful leader on that flight, an attorney who taught a communications law class that I would later take as a student, and that I now have the privilege of teaching today. So many memories, so many connections.

As the nation marks the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the lives lost and the heroism of our first responders.

I also remember just how challenged we were as a nation to effectively communicate that day.  First responders were unable to communicate with one another as they charged up the stairs in Tower I and Tower II, resulting in a tragic loss of so many brave souls. And Americans were unable to communicate with each other. With families and friends desperately seeking to reach loved ones, communications networks became overwhelmed, and it was difficult to complete a call. Wireless devices emerged as a critical tool during a national emergency, including texting. But wireless networks were congested as well.

In 2001, there were no dedicated networks for first responders, and smartphones didn’t exist. There were no options for video or location-based services to locate family members. There were no wireless emergency alerts. Wireless capacity was limited and cellphones were not ubiquitous yet. Less than half the population even owned a basic 2G mobile device. As mobile connectivity has advanced, supported by the wireless infrastructure that makes it all possible, America has come to rely heavily on the newfound capacity and resiliency of wireless.   

I hope we never have another day like that, but 25 years later, one thing I do not worry about is our ability to communicate. Networks today can handle vastly greater demand and are supporting our nation’s first responders in their lifesaving mission – from rural areas to urban and everywhere in between. Billions of dollars of investment over the last 25 years have resulted in substantially improved access to communications, information and situational awareness for those serving on the frontlines protecting our communities.

For individuals, families and communities, connectivity is integrated into nearly every aspect of life. Wireless networks provide peace of mind, family connections, community awareness, and access to emergency alerts and services. The greatest benefit of mobile connectivity may not be convenience, but security. We take it for granted. We should not.

There have been a lot of lessons from 9/11, and the importance of ensuring that communications are available when people need it the most is one of them. America is better prepared today because of wireless industry investment, smart policies, and public-private partnerships at all levels – from the White House to the firehouse.

As we reflect on the events of September 11, we are also eternally grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of the firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, soldiers and countless others who responded without hesitation. Their heroism continues to inspire us. We remember those we lost and hold them in our memory.

At WIA, we are proud to represent the companies and people who build, maintain, and operate the nation’s wireless networks. Every tower climber, technician, engineer, construction crew, and infrastructure professional contributes to the communications networks that keep our communities connected and safe.  Thank you for the work you do.