Archive
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Activates the First Transparent Satellite Mesh Network designed to Expand and Protect Digital Land Mobile Radio Services
January 27, 2011ODN Inc. (Orbital Data Networks) has just completed the first install of their automated satellite mesh system, designed specifically to support Motorola Astro25 digital radio networks.
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January 27, 2011On Wednesday, Jan. 26, 150 attendees filled an FCC Commission Meeting Room, and another 350 attendees joined remotely, to learn and discuss how the FCC’s VHF/UHF narrowbanding mandate affects their public safety agencies. Designed to assist licensees in completing the transition to narrowband radio communications, this FCC workshop was led by two panels of subject matter experts.
Read full articleWhere’s That Radio?
January 27, 2011After years of delays by elected officials struggling with what they perceive as an “unfunded mandate” and a reluctance to spend money in this tough economy, you finally received approval to replace all your radios to comply with the FCC’s narrowbanding mandate. You purchase the new radios, program them with the new interoperability channels and modify your FCC license to reflect narrowband emissions. But when you complete the distribution and installation, you discover that you’re short 23 front-line radios. And you’re out of budget funds. This is one example that illustrates why inventorying your radio equipment is so important.
Read full articleDisabled Man Uses Facebook to Summon Help During Kitchen Fire
January 27, 2011Spokane, Wash. — Smoke from a flaming toaster filled his living room quickly, but Robert “Bob” Chambers couldn’t call for help. Muscular dystrophy limits his movement, and the 51-year-old Spokane man’s phone was too far out of reach. So he turned to the chat room in an online computer game he accesses through Facebook.
Read full articleDallas County in on Radio Upgrade
January 27, 2011Dallas County commissioners said Tuesday that they want to replace the county’s antiquated radio communications system by pooling money with the city of Dallas, which has similar plans for its more than 40-year-old system.
Read full articleEmergency Notification System Proposed for Leominster
January 27, 2011Leominster, Ma. — In early December, alarmed residents of Debbie Drive wondered why state troopers with guns drawn were walking around the normally quiet neighborhood, while up above their homes, noisy helicopters were circling.
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January 26, 2011San Ramon, Calif. — The San Ramon Valley Fire Department unveiled Tuesday morning a groundbreaking iPhone application that allows users to be notified if someone nearby is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest in public places, restaurants, stores and parks. It bring up a map to show where the user is and where the victim is and the location of the nearest automated external defibrillator.
Read full articleFCC Takes Action to Advance Nationwide Broadband Communications for America’s First Responders
January 26, 2011Washington, D.C. – The FCC adopted a Third Report and Order (Order) and Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will support the build out of robust, dedicated and secure mobile broadband networks that will enable public safety broadband users to share information, videos, photos and e-mails across departments and jurisdictions nationwide for daily operations and during large-scale emergencies.
Read full articleAPCO International Announces Formation Of Broadband Committee
January 26, 2011Daytona Beach, Fla. — APCO International announced the formation of its new Broadband Committee, which will primarily review public safety broadband applications in use today and make recommendations to meet the changing need for mobile data and the future need for mission-critical voice capabilities.
Read full articleAPCO International President Bill Carrow Applauds FCC’s Adoption of LTE
January 25, 2011APCO International applauds the FCC for its formal adoption today of LTE as the technology standard for public safety broadband communications, which is consistent with APCO’s early recommendation in support of LTE,” said President Carrow.
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