Like many (dare I say most?) reports on subjects common to millions of us, I am disappointed by the journalist’s failure to take even a one paragraph look at the other side of the story.

There are clearly instances of issues with location of the person in trouble in emergency calls from cell phones. Tragic as these may be, the balance of 911 cellphone calls which do get help to people quickly, is hundreds of thousands to one failure.

Before we get totally worked up about “something wrong”, and “whose fault is this” we should look at what we have vs what we did not have 20 years ago.

The near miraculous fact that, from a 5 ounce pocket sized radio, you can be found by your family in California, for instance, even if you are in a taxi in New York City. I have used wireless phone technology since its inception and compared to 1970, what we have today is near perfect, and being improved every day.

Except at my home where I have near zero digital signal and cannot receive or make calls. My ancient, analog Motorola “bag phone” (circa 1994), on the other hand, worked perfectly in my home or driveway and most other places. It was definitely not pocket carryable and required a battery as large as 15 modern cell phones. But I loved the freedom it provided. Progress always has ups and downs.

Personally, I believe we would be better served if there was more thought being given to increasing existing cell tower coverage into the vast uncovered or poorly served areas of the country. More towers equals better location information.

Not officially verified, but a friend who served in Iraq said Iraq’s cell coverage was better there than in central Nevada where he currently lives.

In summary, lets look at the entire picture before we decide where the effort would be best applied.