……. The overloaded cellular network created numerous problems for emergency services that relied on mobile phones. Ironically, a measure known as the Access Overload Control (ACCOLC) was developed to allow emergency responders to use cellular phones in just such a situation. ACCOLC is designed to free mobile networks for emergency use by blocking all nonauthorized users within a given geographical area. The Gold Coordinating Group decided not to use this technology, however, due to the potential for increasing panic among the public and because many responders in the field were not equipped with ACCOLC-enabled phones.