The baked navy bean is the official state bean of MA. | Photo by Boston Public Library via Flickr

If the Total Solar Eclipse is predicted to double downtown Cola’s population (~708,000 people ➡️ 1 million+ people), what’s going to happen to cell service? The S.C. Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) says service could be spotty, like during football games (or like 10 football games all combined into one day 😱).

How are wireless companies prepping?

📱 AT&T | Working to increase its capacity to boost social media connections around the area

📱 T-Mobile | Stationing portable transmission towers around the Midlands

📱 Sprint | Officials are still considering portable transmission towers, but also believe that recent upgrades will equip them to handle the surge

📱 Verizon | Believe that recent improvements in the network should suffice, but teams will monitor demand live on Aug. 21

(Law enforcement will not be using the same cell service as the 700,000+ Cola visitors – in case you were worried.)

AAA Carolinas is warning residents + travellers to not solely rely on navigation apps due to spotty service – so if you don’t know how to get to your Eclipse event, print out some Mapquest directions. We don’t judge.

3 min read / The State