Crowds could overwhelm cell towers

December 9, 2008 - 11:39am

WASHINGTON - The record crowds expected for the inauguration could mean cell phone towers will be overwhelmed and broadband Internet service slowed down, business and government leaders warned Monday.

If 4 million to 5 million people show up as expected, the region could be in for a "logistical nightmare," says Greater Washington Board of Trade President Jim Dinegar.

At briefing organized by the board, officials said the employees for caterers, hotels and other service industries should expect to start their commutes much earlier than expected.

Restaurants expecting deliveries should prepare for delays in those deliveries.

The Secret Service is still mapping out security checkpoints.

The crowd expectation -- roughly 20 percent of the District's yearly visitor count -- has one expert suggesting people stay home.

Charlie Fisher with the Washington-based disaster preparedness and response firm, James Lee Witt Associates also says with so many people not staying in hotels grocery stores need to stock up so there are not shortages of basics, such as milk and bread.

If 4 million to 5 million people show up as expected, the region could be in for a "logistical nightmare," says Greater Washington Board of Trade President Jim Dinegar.

At briefing organized by the board, officials said the employees for caterers, hotels and other service industries should expect to start their commutes much earlier than expected.

Restaurants expecting deliveries should prepare for delays in those deliveries.

The Secret Service is still mapping out security checkpoints.

The crowd expectation -- roughly 20 percent of the District's yearly visitor count -- has one expert suggesting people stay home.

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