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"One of the most dangerous weapons that evolved was the cell phone, and I don't mean just as an IED trigger. The ability to do rapid command and control and otherwise communicate instantly was formerly the province of organized militaries."

I agree, which is why the Powers That Be (PTB) have a tested solution. Simply jam the cell signals. In the Bay Area a couple of weeks back, the Transit authorities did just that to prevent flash demonstrations. Imagine what the authorities wil do when the excremnent really hits the fan.

Cell signals can indeed be locally jammed, not unlike an EMP pop. And to prevent flash mobs it is increasingly necessary. But the prospect of the PTB using cell jamming to interdict free speech and the right to assemble for redress is truly frightening. So here’s my question, but first a word from our sponsor:

I’m a retired `comms guy’ who worked on SINGCARS radios for the Army Reserve. I preached to deploying units that they absolutely had to train with their tactical radios and forget about using cellphones in theater. The higher the technology, the more that can go wrong.

My question: could the vintage 27 Mhz CB radio yet serve as a means of social networking? Yes, AM channels can be jammed but jamming stations can be DFed; the battlefield might be more level.

Full disclosure: I don’t have a cellphone, never will. I borrowed my wife’s while tending to my MIL estate out of town. By the fourth time that #%@$! thing rang in my shirt pocket while I was driving (and I pull over when it does) I was ready to throw it out the window and then run over it until I wore out the shifter!

Anyway, appreciate your thoughts on low tech comms.