How did your cell service stand up to Irene?

Consumer Reports News: August 29, 2011 09:08 AM

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Cell phones

When disasters strike, mobile-phone networks can overload, as thousands of people frantically try to reach emergency services, family, and friends. But after the East Coast's battering by Hurricane Irene, the New York Times reported, major carriers said that their networks held up well.

We wanted to see what consumers had to say about this too, so we asked our Facebook followers how well their cell service was holding up. Commenters from Cape Cod to North Carolina have chimed in. So far, the comments we're receiving are predominantly positive—many folks whose power is out can still get through on their mobile phones. A few commenters reported spotty service or complete outages. Take a look at all the comments on Consumer Reports' Facebook page.

Were you able to get through on your cell phone when you needed to?

Did your battery last long enough? And did you have spare batteries or battery-powered chargers on hand?

Did you stick to texting as opposed to voice calling?

Let us know in comments below.

Wireless Phone Networks Stood Up Well to Hurricane [New York Times]

—Carol Mangis