Mary Rose Roberts
Mary Rose Roberts is the associate editor of Urgent Communications, formerly Mobile Radio Technology magazine. She can be reached at maryrose.roberts@penton.com
Yantic, Conn. – Monday, January 26, 2009 – Yantic Fire Engine Company Chief Frank Blanchard presented the communications interoperability solutions that have been implemented throughout the City of Norwich Mutual Aid Group, affecting the numerous first responders from around the mutual aid group who also attended the event. Congressman Joe Courtney, 2nd District, CT, also attended the event and discussed the importance of these efforts and the implications they have on the community, and potentially the entire state.
“During catastrophic structure fires, such as the recent fires at Stonington Estates, the Peachtree Apartments and the Phelps Dodge Factory, first responders experienced serious communication issues due to the need for multiple responding agencies, who currently communicate on different radio frequencies,” said Chief Blanchard. “A lack of interoperability between those various responding agencies detracts from the timeliness and overall operational success of the various first responders – today, we now have a solution.”
Chief Blanchard, who served as incident commander at numerous mutual aid fires throughout the City of Norwich Mutual Aid Region, presented how interoperability communications challenges are being addressed and resolved, and how that resolution addresses problems facing the entire state and other parts of the country. The event was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Mohegan Tribal Public Safety Building, where more than 30 guests in attendance, including Congressman Courtney and City of Norwich Mayor Benjamin Lathrop.
“I am pleased to be able to stand with our first responders to provide the technology and resources they need to address the critical interoperability challenge,” said Rep. Joe Courtney. “When first responders arrive on scene with different radios on different frequencies, tools like BAE Systems’ First InterComm™ solution bridge the communications gap and provides our first responders with the seamless communications necessary when every second counts.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, awarded $282,000 to the City of Norwich Mutual Aid Group to address and resolve interoperability challenges. The funds were then used to purchase units, such as the First InterComm system from BAE Systems, to meet the emergency response needs of 17 fire departments in the Norwich Region, including the Yantic Fire Company.
“The First InterComm system has been an excellent resolution to the challenges we’ve been facing, helping to save time, lives and personal property – which ultimately results in less widespread catastrophe in emergency situations,” said Blanchard. “The AFG grant did exactly what it was intended – provide funds for firefighters and departments to obtain the technology they need to help save lives.”
The First InterComm system is a voice interoperability solution that allows first responders throughout multiple emergency response departments to communicate among varying radio frequencies using the fire departments existing equipment, ultimately expediting response times, improving coordinated relief efforts and helping save lives.
For more information about the First InterComm system, please visit www.baesystems.com/firstintercomm .
January 26, 2009, Alexandria, Va. – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced today the approval of an American National Standard (ANS) to provide a standard data exchange for electronically transmitting information between an alarm monitoring company and a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
The intent of this ANS is to standardize an automated computer-to-computer exchange of data between alarm monitoring companies and PSAPs. This standard is highly recommended for all entities and agencies interested in implementing an automated exchange of alarm-related data in order to promote more efficient and effective public safety and data interoperability nationwide. It provides detailed technical data to software providers who support computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems or alarm monitoring applications concerning the common data elements and structure that shall be utilized when electronically transmitting a new alarm event from an alarm monitoring company to a PSAP. The document includes process flow examples that are necessary during the handoff of a new event, new event responses, and updates to working events between the alarm monitoring company and the PSAP.
There are three primary uses for this standard: initial notification of an alarm event, bi-directional updates of the status between an alarm monitoring company and the PSAP, and bi-directional updates of other events between an alarm monitoring company and a PSAP. The proposed standard is an Information Exchange Package Document (IEPD) that has been recently converted to be National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) 2.0 conformant.
“This standard is an ideal example of consensus development by all parties affected by an issue, collectively bettering the services we provide the public and increasing our public’s safety,” APCO International President Chris Fischer said. “The focus is, as always, on the end-users and the effect will be improved dispatch and response times while increasing interoperability and cost effectiveness.”
This candidate ANS is a result of dedicated work and partnerships between APCO International, the IJIS Institute, York County (Va.) Emergency Communications Division, City of Richmond (Va.) Department of Information Technology, Richmond Police Department’s Division of Emergency Communications, the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and Vector Security. This project is supported by APCO International’s Data Transfer Committee and The Public Safety Data Interoperability (PSDI) Program. The PSDI program and the IEPD conversion project were funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The PSDI program is co-managed by APCO International and the IJIS Institute.
The ANS was approved by ANSI on January 15 and can be downloaded at http://www.apcointl.org/new/commcenter911/APCOstandards.php.
COLUMBIA, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tecore Networks, a leading provider of GSM, CDMA, 3G and multi-technology mobile networks, has deployed its Intelligent Network Access Controller (IntelliNAC) to address the growing problem of illegal cell phone use by prison inmates in a major U.S. locality (identity concealed for security reasons). While restricting the localized use of unknown cellular devices within the IntelliNAC coverage area, approved prison personnel remain able to access the commercial cellular network service within the prison grounds as well as external to the prison through their existing cellular subscriptions. The installation has validated Tecore’s approach to restricting cell phone use by inmates in a manner which is acceptable to commercial carriers, regulatory authorities and cellular subscribers. Following a successful pilot at one site, the system has been expanded to cover four additional sites.
In 2006, an investigation following a major breakout at the high-security prison revealed that inmates used cell phones to coordinate their escape. To prevent further illegal use of cell phones, the prison system received emergency authorization from the telecommunications regulator to install jamming equipment. As the jamming equipment barred all commercial wireless service, including service of authorized personnel and subscribers on nearby commercial networks, the all-or-nothing aspect of the operation proved ineffective at addressing the needs of the location.
Tecore’s IntelliNAC implements a more sophisticated approach to restricting commercial cellular usage by differentiating user groups and enabling policies for each. Building on Tecore’s patented, multi-technology architecture, the system addresses devices from the cellular carriers across the spectrum of frequencies and technologies. Whether the device accessing the system is from a GSM or a CDMA commercial carrier, the access is routed to the IntelliNAC for analysis. Once the usage profile is determined, the resulting messaging to the device provides instructions on the access to the commercial service. By managing communications in the targeted coverage zone on a subscriber-by-subscriber basis, IntelliNAC also eliminates the need and added cost for a separate overlay network to enable communications by authorized personnel, as required when jamming equipment is used. In addition, by capturing details of calls and attempts, the system provides information that can be used to address illegal activity both within and outside the prison. More information about Tecore Networks and IntelliNAC, including a white paper on this subject, is available at http://www.tecore.com/solutions/intellinac.cfm.
“The issue of prison inmates using cell phones to conduct illegal business has become very public,” said Scott Hill, Executive Vice President, Tecore Networks. “Inmates are becoming increasingly technology savvy, and security systems have to become more sophisticated as a result. Tecore’s IntelliNAC delivers a robust solution that meets the needs of the different groups affected, can be installed and managed in a streamlined manner, and enables prisons to put a dent in crime stemming from contraband cell phones.”
About Tecore Networks
Tecore Networks is a leading provider of GSM, CDMA, 3G and multi-technology mobile networks for emerging operators and rapid deployments. Built with the same standards-based voice and data technologies available to global carriers on an IP-based architecture, we have dramatically enhanced functionality while minimizing space requirements, installation time and cost of ownership. We also offer integrated value-added features to enable our customers to increase ARPU and retention. Our solutions include core as well as radio access network infrastructure, supported by state-of-the-art professional services. Tecore is ISO 9001:2000 certified, and is a three-time winner of the Global Mobile (3GSM) Award. For more information, visit www.tecore.com.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2009) – The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) announced today that it will serve as the first host of three national satellite radio network channels dedicated to communications among state and local public health agencies, hospital and healthcare organizations, and emergency medical service agencies in Kentucky and across the nation.
The nationwide satellite mutual aid radio talkgroup program allows public safety agencies to move across their town, state or region without losing critical communications. Public health and emergency medical service agencies authorized by DPH and the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) are able to participate in a nationwide two-way satellite radio conversation.
DPH will be responsible for accepting applications to participate in the national public health satellite mutual aid radio talkgroups from public health and EMS agencies across the country. After validating the application it will be sent to the SkyTerra Operations Center and processed to allow the requested channel to be downloaded via satellite to the requesting agency’s communication equipment. Around-the-clock monitoring of the channel is being facilitated with KBEMS and at the Medical Center EMS Dispatch Center in Bowling Green.
“We are honored that DPH has been selected to lead the way as host for the nation’s first satellite mutual aid radio network channels dedicated to health and emergency medical services,” said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of public health. “This clearly shows that our hard work, dedication and knowledge of satellite radio network operations in support of public health and safety has been recognized at the national level and puts our state on the forefront of communication solutions, regional partnerships and preparedness planning. These network channels provide public service organizations a rapid and reliable tool for interoperable communication required for both daily operations and during emergencies.”
The program features unique push-to-talk satellite technology, allowing each group member to listen or join the conversation taking place over the talkgroup. Three satellite mutual aid radio talkgroup (SMART) channels, NPHST-1, NPHST-2, and E-SMART will be available anywhere in the U.S. and could be the only form of communication for a public health agency or an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) team deployed to assist during a disaster, as demonstrated in fall 2008 during hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
“The Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services is excited to partner with DPH to serve as a national host site for this project,” said Charles O’Neal, executive director of KBEMS. “The capabilities and benefits of the satellite radio technology have already been proven during in-state and national disaster operations where Kentucky EMS units have been deployed. Reliable, redundant communications are an essential element to successful disaster operations and having this capability with EMS units nationwide will serve to enhance our ability to coordinate assets in large scale emergencies. We are deeply appreciative of the commitment from Medical Center EMS in Bowling Green to help monitor this critical communications link.”
Additional SMART programs are available at no additional cost to SkyTerra customers on their satellite communications network for different public safety disciplines including law enforcement and the fire service.
Media Contact:
Barbara Fox or Vikki Franklin, (502) 564-6786, ext. 4411 or 3429
(Suwanee, GA) The new TK-7102H/8202H is a Mil-Spec mobile with the features of a higher priced two-way radio at a budget-conscious price. With 8 channels and two groups for conventional operation, the VHF/UHF 45-50W mobiles accommodate multiple signaling protocols including Kenwood’s FleetSync®.
Designed for enterprise users in challenging environments including taxis, school transportation, utility fleets and construction, the economically-priced mobiles feature enhanced Kenwood audio, backlit keys, emergency call features and 8 programmable I/O ports. The standard mobile package includes microphone, cable and mounting bracket.
Kenwood U.S.A. Corporation Communications Sector is a worldwide provider of mobile and portable radios and custom systems to public safety, government and commercial users as well as amateur radio equipment. Founded in the United States in 1961, Kenwood U.S.A. is the largest sales subsidiary of Kenwood Corporation of Japan (founded 1946), which has 11 domestic and 22 subsidiaries around the world serving the needs of communications, home electronics and car entertainment customers. For detailed information, call Kenwood USA at 1-800-950-5005 or visit Kenwood at http://www.kenwoodusa.com.
LOWELL, Mass. – Jan. 26, 2009 – Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems, a worldwide leader of critical radio communication systems, today announced that its P25IP (P25 to the power of IP) digital communications system has been successfully deployed in the City of Oakland, California. The implementation of the P25IP network is the first stage in the City’s migration to a P25-compliant digital radio communications system, which will support Oakland’s Police and Fire departments, and a number of other city agencies, including Oakland’s Unified School District. Oakland’s P25IP trunked system will also enable dependable, interoperable communications with first responders in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, and marks the first completely operational Land Mobile Radio (LMR) IP-based P25 trunked system in the Bay Area.
“Major disasters and emergency situations cannot be predicted, nor avoided, but we’re confident that our new P25IP network will give our public safety first responders the communications they need to do their jobs, which is to protect the residents of the Bay Area. This system will greatly enhance our first responder’s response time and communication efficiency during emergency situations and when multiple agencies have to coordinate their efforts,” said Bob Glaze, chief technology officer and director of IT, City of Oakland. “Additionally, the system uses commercial-off-the-shelf equipment. As a result, the digital network will have a longer lifespan, while minimizing maintenance costs, ensuring that the City’s tax dollars are spent wisely.”
The City of Oakland recognized the need for interoperable communications as a result of various emergencies, including the 1979 Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) fire, 1982 Caldecott Tunnel fire, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the 1991 Oakland Hill firestorm. The first phase of the deployment involved the installation of a multi-channel P25 site near Oakland’s Grizzley Peak, which significantly improved the coverage area within Oakland city limits. Additionally, this IP-based solution provides interoperable communications to the City’s existing communication system via an IP gateway.
“Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems is proud to partner with the City of Oakland to establish a cutting-edge public safety communications system that meets the area’s long-term public safety needs and allows officials prepare for emergencies,” said Steve Howard, business development director, Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems. “In addition, the IP capabilities of the P25IP solution enables Oakland’s communications personnel to increase system capacity, connection speeds and the number of users when needed, providing an efficient, cost-effective solution for interoperable communications.”
Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems’ P25IP digital communication system combines the P25 air link standard with IP packet technology in a trunked voice and data communications system. The P25IP system is also capable of deploying the latest Federal standard of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for secure communications, with OTAR (Over-the-air-rekeying) and OTAP (Over-the-air-programming).The P25IP radio communications system meets the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) mandate and the SAFECOM and DoD policy with respect to spectral efficiency through P25 digital trunked operation. Additionally, the system provides non-proprietary open architecture and has the advantage of scalability, allowing for migration to future technologies.
The VIDA network platform is a cost-effective, IP-based interoperable radio communications technology that supports P25 and other IP-based systems. It addresses the voice and data communications needs of public safety radio users around the world. VIDA provides a full IP management platform including interoperability without intervention of console operators, IP consoles, networking technology for both the P25 Phase I and P25 Phase II standards, plus many other benefits inherent in open IP architecture systems.
ABOUT TYCO ELECTRONICS
Tyco Electronics Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network solutions, undersea telecommunication systems and wireless systems, with 2008 sales of $14.8 billion to customers in more than 150 countries. We design, manufacture and market products for customers in industries from automotive, appliance and aerospace and defense to telecommunications, computers and consumer electronics. With nearly 8,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service capabilities, Tyco Electronics’ commitment is our customers’ advantage. More information on Tyco Electronics can be found at http://www.tycoelectronics.com/.
Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems is a leading supplier of critical communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, federal and select commercial markets. Tyco Electronics Wireless System’s products range from some of the most advanced IP-based voice and data networks, to traditional wireless systems that offer customers the highest levels of reliability, interoperability, scalability and security. More information about Tyco Electronics Wireless System’s solutions can be found on the Web at http://www.tewireless.com
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