Inauguration Requires Boost In Bandwidth: "Preparing wireless networks for an event like next month's presidential inauguration has become as critical as erecting the barricades and ordering the party platters.

"Several hundred thousand VIPs, protesters, police officers and onlookers are expected to make cellular calls on Jan. 20 from along the parade route, convention halls and hotel lobbies in and around the District. They'll also be sending pictures, messages and e-mail—all of which create a heavy volume of wireless traffic that eats up network capacity.

"To make sure everyone gets a share of the wireless signal, cell phone companies—like seasoned caterers—must estimate attendance and make sure there's enough to go around. When necessary, they're ordering backup."