EVCNB Has a COW!

Not the kind of cow typically seen around Tillamook County, the EVCNB has been training with a CRD COW thanks to the Office of Resiliency and Emergency Management of the Oregon Department of Human Services.

What is a CRD COW? 

EVCNB Volunteer, John Beaston, inspects the components of the COW.

It is a Compact, Rapid Deployable Cell-on-Wheels. In times of emergencies, cell phone providers, such as ATT, Verizon, or Sprint, have large trucks capable of being set up anywhere, connecting to the internet via a satellite, and providing cell service to anyone close enough to connect.

Our CRD COW is somewhat smaller than a large truck. Perhaps we should call it a “Calf” on Wheels! It has essentially the same capabilities of those deployed by the cell phone providers, but perhaps not quite the range. If all normal cell phone connections are lost, our COW may be set up quickly to provide both cell service and internet connections to anyone within range.  

Recently the COW was set up to test its capabilities and train EVCNB volunteers on how it works. It is an amazing unit capable of operating on its own power for extended time periods.  We are very lucky to have it!