Submission + - FCC: 200,000 Cell Towers Need Backup Power (datacenterknowledge.com)
1sockchuck writes: "The FCC is ordering telecom and wireless companies to provide backup power for cell sites and remote telecom facilities, hoping to keep communications networks running during natural disasters. The new rule was prompted by wireless outages during Hurricane Katrina. There are more than 210,000 cell towers in the US, as well as 20,000 telecom central offices that will also need generators or batteries. Municipalities are bracing for disputes as carriers try to add generators or batteries to cell sites on rooftops or water towers. The rules will further boost demand in the market for generators, where there are already lengthy delivery backlogs for some models."