Urgent Communications - Latest Comments

Re: FCC acts to allow TETRA in the U.S. permanently

gbischoff — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:12:40 -0000

Jose: Thanks for setting us straight. The story has been corrected/GB

Re: FCC acts to allow TETRA in the U.S. permanently

Bob — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:01:10 -0000

That's great TETRA is finally allowed into the US by the FCC. But its a case of too little too late. Public Safety will never go with TETRA, Utilities are mostly going with DMR, and that leaves Transportation which needs mostly customized solutions for their LMR needs and are 1-shot deals (aka Very costly to support).

Dont expect a huge rush of TETRA companies into the US market place. Most of them have questionable financials and dont have the resources to truly enter the US market or even support anyone they sell to (buyer beware!).
TETRA would have been great 5-7 years ago and would have dominated the US non-PS markets. But now P25 & DMR have limited TETRA's potential affect. TETRA's influence in the US market will be very limited.

Re: Let FirstNet know what you think

Bob — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:44:46 -0000

Do I understand this right - they want to the network to be mostly carrier based? Like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc...? That's crazy! Those are the first networks to go down when you need them most. While a 100% private network is unreasonable financially, PS use of public carriers should be limited and sporadic.

Re: FCC acts to allow TETRA in the U.S. permanently

Jose M. Martin — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:32:15 -0000

The article erroneously affirms that NJ Transit's and New York City Transit's trials, both carried out by PowerTrunk, were conducted "under last year's temporary waiver". In both cases, only FCC-certified TETRA-Interoperable D-LMR (TI D-LMR) PowerTrunk technology was used. TI D-LMR, also named "reduced power TETRA" by some parties, is fully compliant with FCC Part 90 rules so it did not need any waiver to be deployed in 800 MHz. Consistent with this, NJ Transit awarded its RFP 11-018 for a new Bus Radio System on March 14, 2012 to Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc. with PowerTrunk TI D-LMR technology (i.e. seven months before the FCC issued the order referenced in the article). Even though Harris raised various complaints which figure on the FCC public docket 11-69, claiming that TI D-LMR was not permitted in other frequencies than those referred to in the April 26, 2011 Waiver Order, namely 817-824/862-869 MHz, the Commission granted a license in favor of NJ Transit on May 18, 2012 to operate PowerTrunk TI D-LMR equipment in 809-817/854-862 MHz (known as "public safety pool"). Therefore, PowerTrunk acknowledges the merit of the TETRA + Critical Communications Association for its efforts but, however, the introduction of TETRA technology for commercial use in the United States was accomplished much earlier by PowerTrunk by means that have nothing to do with the Waiver Order. I respecfully ask the editor to publish a new article to clarify that neither NJ Transit nor New York City Transit used any equipment "under last year's temporary waiver".

Re: FCC acts to allow TETRA in the U.S. permanently

Christian Reynolds — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:21:02 -0000

This is great news. Working for Nielson Communications, the people behind the Green Bay Pilot, we are happy to see the FCC move forward with the modification of Part 90 to allow this awesome technology into our country without too many restraints. If anyone would like to know more about TETRA, come see us in Green Bay, or at UTC 2013, or IWCE 2013.

Re: FCC plans to enforce UHF/VHF narrowbanding mandate

rduel@ex.cityofchicago.org — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:15:47 -0000

One good thing about being in the radio business for 38+ years is that I can remember technology and details that the glut of "computerized radiomen" never heard of. I have observed the perception that the lower the bandwidth the worse the recovered audio. There are many common complaints about the quality of recovered audio from 12.5 KHz digital bandwidth now as compared to conventional wideband FM audio at +/- 5 KHz deviation. (I can remember when wideband was +/- 15 KHz and narrow band was +/- 5 KHz). It is anticipated the quality of recovered audio from +/- 6.25 KHz digital audio will be worse. Yes, there have been many improvements now than when P25 was first initiated and it is much better than it used to be. Never the less, the perception is still there. Does anybody else remember ACSB, Amplitude Combanded Side Band? The common perception is that ACSB was killed by the FM manufacturers. ACSB offered a channel spacing of 3 KHz with audio equal to that of +/- 5 KHz analog FM. This is half of the bandwidth of +/- 6.25 KHz digital with superior recovered audio. True, there would be no imbedded signaling, but, conventional MDC and other ID signalling could be used. An advantage would be that all of the conventional analog voting systems and leased line connectivity would not need to be replaced. This is a significant cost savings. Also, battery life will be extended. No routers or networking would be required. That would make an old time radio man happy.
W. Rick Duel PE "Radio Rick" W9XB KCTJ

Re: FirstNet shows progress in initial meeting, despite hiccups

Ronald Jakubowski — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 08:55:46 -0000

I was able to see it using Internet Explorer 9 (was reminded about the webcast about 10 minutes into it.)

Re: FCC plans to enforce UHF/VHF narrowbanding mandate

joecitizen — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:28:54 -0000

I'm in the DC area and I figure 1/2 of biz band users are unlicensed

Re: FCC plans to enforce UHF/VHF narrowbanding mandate

joecitizen — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:27:53 -0000

most of out commercial users are ignoring narrowbanding. Many uhf users don't even have a license. What's the fcc going to do?
Anyone have a contact in their compliance division?

Re: FirstNet's task is not rocket science--more like calculus

D W Winters — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 23:25:32 -0000

With over 40 years of system acquisition experience including developing complex airborne and space systems, two "truths" we're persistent. First define the system's requirements definitively--that requires sound systems engineering. Second find a contractor who also provides program management based on Integrated Process and Product Development (IPPD) practices.
Without adhering to those truths, PSBN will be using, not repaying, Treasury funds for decades and never satisfy the users.

Re: FCC acts to allow TETRA in the U.S. permanently

Kevin Graham — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:03:08 -0000

The FCC has also confirmed that TETRA complies fully with the UHF narrowbanding mandate.The 25khz channels used by TETRA comply fullly with the 12.5khz narrowband requirements and exceed this as they delivery 6.25khz efficiency as result of the 4 slot voice and data capability in this channel bandwidth.

Re: FCC plans to enforce UHF/VHF narrowbanding mandate

GBH — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:37:55 -0000

I have not seen an analog format that can meet 6.25 KHz emission. I have only seen digital technologies that do!

Re: General Dynamics Broadband seeks role in public-safety LTE buildout

Scott Williams — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 15:22:17 -0000

I'm guessing GD paid for this interview (or bought advertising to wit), trying to make the case for a business they are about 2 years too late to, and a reputation still as a gold-plating, over priced big DOD contractor. Further, having sat through several of their presentation, their stress on process and military heritage is a non starter for the vast majority of public safety. As a standards based system, with significant experience from the carriers in deployment, the days of Systems Integrators for all but the most complex of weapons systems is over.
While Mr. Marzilli is smart, and Manny Mora is a driving this effort for him as a smart businessman, it is still not clear what business they are in,... or should be in.

In contrast, Raytheon has done a much better job defining their public safety space, and could provide some well learned lessons.

Re: AT&T’s ‘Smart911’ offering boosts emergency response

Glenn Bischoff — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:11:30 -0000

The $6450 per-seat fee is annual, not monthly. I apologize for the error./GB

Re: AT&T’s ‘Smart911’ offering boosts emergency response

Alan — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:40:28 -0000

Who is really benefiting here? The public...right? Why provide it free to them and rake the PSAP? They've got it upsidedown. Great idea overall though.

Re: Broadband's role in improving rural health care

Staff General-Devices — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:10:17 -0000

We at GD agree with Kevin McGinnis' views on Community
Paramedicine and the need for mobile telemedicine to bridge the gap as he says. Additional uses could include non-emergency
visits and follow-up care to help reduce unnecessary transports and hospital re-admissions,
and these applications may be the financial driver needed to jump start the practice
- the technology is already here.

Re: AT&T’s ‘Smart911’ offering boosts emergency response

WolleySegap — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 14:18:54 -0000

$86, 650 for the first year? Are they kidding?
That's more than a fully loaded dispatcher FTE!
What's a PSAP supposed to do?
Give up a position?
Or try to squeeze more blood out of the turnip?
Now, if they GAVE it, or better yet PAID to get it installed in a PSAP, that would be a whole different ballgame.

Re: FCC plans to enforce UHF/VHF narrowbanding mandate

G.M.R.S USER — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 04:46:10 -0000

What a joke, the FCC out here does nothing. Enforcement, what enforcement. The only thing that they do is collect money for a peace of paper they anyone could make up just to be on a radio. The other thing is that the F.C.C does not care about any other repeater system out there and that they can't do there job to keep non-user to stay off if they do not have a license to be on a certain radio frequency. They also can't track anyone down that is keying up on every system out there inculding law enforcement repeater and any other systems out there. So my question is.... WHAT IS THE POINT OF HAVING A LICENSE ON CERTAIN FREQUENCIES WHEN THE F.C.C CAN'T TRACK DOWN THE NON-USER THAT IS KEYING UP ON ALL OF THE SYSTEMS THAT ARE OUT THERE?

Re: FCC clears path for FirstNet spectrum license

jimmybob — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:20:52 -0000

the unconstitutional (10th Amendment) federal power grab continues its march . . . god help the state who opts-out and wishes not to participate!
maintenance costs? Anyone? Who will pay for the subscriber devices?
Riiiiight: this is a solution in search of a problem, driven by lobbyists and a public safety community desperately needing daily relevance.

Re: Aeroflex introduces WLAN signal generator and analyzer

helen thomas — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:48:43 -0000

I am not very
familiar with this type of technology. But I guess this is good for engineering
department. And the features are all good. I think the very low phase noise
performance is a sign that this device is working properly.

WindFreakTech.com< /a>

WindFreakTech.com< /a>

Re: A toast to 911 telecommunicators--America's unsung heroes

Bill Carrow — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 02:36:21 -0000

Glenn, on behalf of the APCO Pro-CHRT committee we thank you for attending the committee presentation and especially for your article. One of the primary goals of the committee is to promote the professionalism of the Telecommunicator and your article does that in a major way. Keep up the great work!

Re: A toast to 911 telecommunicators--America's unsung heroes

Diana Sprain — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:36:22 -0000

Glenn, Are you talking about a show other than 'Rescue 911' or 'Call 911' ? A fictionalized movie or tv show would have to include the field units, but focus on the dispatchers - a reverse of any previous fire, ems, or law enforcement drama or comedy produced. You certainly have the audience (us) and enough war stories to keep you going!

Re: A toast to 911 telecommunicators--America's unsung heroes

W. Rick Duel PE — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 08:47:29 -0000

Even more un-sung are the skilled technicians and engineers who design, install and maintain the computer and radio systems. With out their abilities the 911 phone would not ring, the Police, Fire Fighters, and Paramedics radios would not work. Try running a PSAP with out technical support.

Re: A common-sense approach to 911 texting

tp — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:55:41 -0000

Innovation rarely comes from those ingrained in the status quo. There is a big difference between ensuring a standard implementation is created and expecting that the telcos and public safety agencies will come up with a cost effective solution. Much of the recent industry movement has been the result of small companies showing what is possible and applying pressure. The FCC in conjunction with NENA and APCO should be defining the requirements and boundaries - not the solution. Innovation comes through enabling competition on an open playing field.

Re: Utilities, public safety could be ideal broadband partners

Steve Shanck — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:20:29 -0000

This is an idea that has no boundaries. Who could argue against it at least from a financial perspective? As long as operating policies are crafted to support all users then the PS community should be able to share infrastructure...which is simply a comm path...with like minded mission critical users (Utilities). The real issue here has to do with public policy and the "HOW" this will get managed and administrated. Hopefully the FirstNet board and their counterparts within the Utility industry are tracking this question closely.