Most mobile telephone networks operate close to capacity during normal times , and large spikes in call volumes caused by widespread emergencies often overload the systems when they are needed most . Examples reported in the media where this has occurred include the 1999 İzmit earthquake , the September 11 attacks , the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake , the 2003 Northeast blackouts , Hurricane Katrina , the 2007 Minnesota bridge collapse , the 2010 Chile earthquake , and the 2010 Haiti earthquake . Reporters and journalists have also been using satellite phones to communicate and report on events in war zones such as Iraq
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Satellite phone