Don't trash those pay phones just yet

Another example of the need for redundancy in our nations' communication network is the recent East Coast blizzard.

Since 9/11 every man, woman and child has been led to believe that a cell phone is the answer to keeping us safe in an emergency. Even though cell phones did not work during this crisis. Again, when the bridge collapsed over the Mississippi, the cell phone could not deliver.

When the blizzard hit and thousands were stranded in airports all over the east coast, the cell towers could not handle the overwhelming number of calls because they're not designed to. Why then would pay phones be looked upon as no longer necessary?

That's like saying flying is better, so get rid of trains and cars or TV and the internet is what people want so get rid of newspapers and radio. Some things remain essential to our society even though they may no longer seem cool or cutting edge; just ask the older people.

Mike Simon

Glen Ellyn