http://urgentcomm.com/urgent-communications-podcast Listen to Urgent Communications' editors discuss news and trends in mobile communications technology, engineering, operations and governance with industry leaders and experts. The interviews are targeted to educate and entertain dealers, private radio and wireless systems operators and large volume commercial, industrial and public safety communications end-users on topics of current interest and professional development. To suggest a podcast topic or interview subject, e-mail Editor-in-Chief Glenn Bischoff with a summary of your idea and include your contact information. en-us Listen to Urgent Communications' editors discuss news and trends in mobile communications technology, engineering, operations and governance with industry leaders and experts. The interviews are targeted to educate and entertain dealers, private radio and wireless systems operators and large volume commercial, industrial and public safety communications end-users on topics of current interest and professional development. To suggest a podcast topic or interview subject, e-mail Editor-in-Chief Glenn Bischoff with a summary of your idea and include your contact information. yes no avaupel yes Cisco Systems' Kevin McFadden explains why first responder agencies should jump into applications now, even before FirstNet decides what its planned nationwide broadband network will look like. Kevin McFadden, public-safety solutions architect for Cisco Systems, explains why first responder agencies should jump into applications now, even before FirstNet decides what its planned nationwide broadband network  will look like. http://urgentcomm.com/public-safety/regarding-public-safety-apps-theres-no-time-present Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:30:00 GMT Cisco, Public Safety avaupel yes FirstNet board member Jeff Johnson details some of the efforts that engineers have taken to better understand the needs of first responders, including participation in a 30-hour firefighting training course. FirstNet engineers are charged with designing a public-safety-grade broadband network for first responders. FirstNet board member Jeff Johnson talks with Urgent Communications' Donny Jackson, detailing some of the efforts that engineers have taken to better understand the needs of first responders, including a visit to New York in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and recent participation in a 30-hour firefighting training course. http://urgentcomm.com/ntiafirstnet/firstnets-johnson-engineers-public-safety-learning-curve Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:40:00 GMT NTIA/FirstNet avaupel yes Catalyst Communications' Robin Grier talks about the company's plans for IWCE 2013, including Catalyst's participation in a CSSI/FSI interoperability demonstration in the Project 25 Technology Interest Group's booth, as well as ... Robin Grier, president of Catalyst Communications, talks with Urgent Communications' Glenn Bischoff about the company's plans for IWCE 2013 in Las Vegas. Specifically, they speak about Catalyst's participation in a CSSI/FSI interoperability demonstration in the Project 25 Technology Interest Group's booth, as well as enhancements to two of the company's consoles. http://urgentcomm.com/dispatch/catalyst-enhances-two-consoles-participates-cssifsi-demo Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:25:00 GMT Dispatch, Interoperability, P25 avaupel yes Hytera's Gary Lorenz talks about a portable repeater, intrinsically safe radios and a dispatch solution, all of which the company will be introducing this week at IWCE 2013. Gary Lorenz, Hytera's North America VP of sales and marketing talks with Urgent Communications editor-in-chief Glenn Bischoff about a portable repeater, intrinsically safe radios and a dispatch solution, all of which the company will be introducing this week at IWCE 2013 in Las Vegas. http://urgentcomm.com/hytera/hytera-adds-several-new-products Tue, 12 Mar 2013 06:43:00 GMT Dispatch, Hytera, Repeaters avaupel yes EF Johnson's Christian Barker speaks about the company's first multiband radio, which it will introduce this week at IWCE 2013 in Las Vegas. Christian Barker, director of product management for EF Johnson Technologies, speaks with Urgent Communications' Glenn Bischoff about the company's first multiband radio, which it will introduce this week at IWCE 2013 in Las Vegas. http://urgentcomm.com/multiband-radio/efj-unveil-first-multiband-radio Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:26:00 GMT EFJohnson, Multiband Radio avaupel yes FirstNet board member Jeff Johnson talks about concerns expressed by governors surrounding budget-challenged entities, like volunteer fire departments, being able to afford access to the nationwide broadband network for first responders. FirstNet board member Jeff Johnson talks with Urgent Communications editor Donny Jackson about concerns expressed by governors surrounding budget-challenged entities like volunteer fire departments being able to afford access to the much-anticipated nationwide broadband network for first responders. http://urgentcomm.com/ntiafirstnet/firstnets-johnson-reflects-meeting-governors Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:05:00 GMT NTIA/FirstNet, Public Safety, Public Safety, State & Local Government avaupel yes Cassidian Communications' Michael Doerk explains how broadband vehicle routers can be leveraged to access commercial LTE networks today, and public safety's LTE network in the future. Cassidian Communications product portfolio manager Michael Doerk speaks with Urgent Communications' Glenn Bischoff about how broadband vehicle routers can be leveraged to access commercial LTE networks today, and public safety's LTE network in the future, giving agencies much-needed flexibility. For more information, please visit Cassidian's booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/cassidian/managing-public-safetys-migration-broadband Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:30:00 GMT Cassidian, Commercial, Public Safety, Public Safety, System Design avaupel yes Anritsu's David Witkowski highlights the challenges associated with testing indoor coverage in modern buildings and the company's future. David Witkowski, senior product manager for Anritsu, speaks with Urgent Communications' Donny Jackson about the challenges associated with testing indoor coverage in modern buildings and the company's future. For more information, please visit Anritsu's booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/anritsu/anritsu-test-gear-targets-building-coverage Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:20:00 GMT In-Building, Anritsu avaupel yes Avtec's Mike Ridge discusses the advantages of the company's communications consoles for a variety of industry sectors. Avtec director Mike Ridge discusses the advantages of the company's communications consoles for a variety of industry sectors with Urgent Communications' Donny Jackson. For more information, please visit Avtec's booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/companies/avtec-highlights-flexibility-its-console-portfolio Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:10:00 GMT Companies avaupel yes Bird Technologies' Tom Kuklo talks about the company's 70-year history, new products and future direction. Bird Technologies vice president Tom Kuklo talks about the company's 70-year history, new products and future direction with Urgent Communications' Donny Jackson. For more information, please visit Bird Technologies' booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/bird-technologies/bird-turns-70-looks-future Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT Bird Technologies avaupel yes Harris Corporation's Dennis Martinez discusses the implications of public safety's migration to LTE. Dennis Martinez, chief technology officer for the RF communications division of the Harris Corporation, discusses the implications of public safety's migration to LTE with Urgent Communications' Donny Jackson. For more information, please visit Harris' booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/harris/harris-seeks-ease-migration-lte Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:50:00 GMT Harris, Public Safety avaupel yes Icom America's Joe Collica discusses the company's IDAS digital mobile radio technology, which is becoming particularly popular in several sectors due to its cost-effectiveness. Icom America national sales manager Joe Collica talks with Urgent Communications' Glenn Bischoff about the company's IDAS digital mobile radio technology, which is becoming particularly popular in the utility, healthcare and university sectors due to its cost-effectiveness. For more information, please visit Icom's booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/icom/icom-digital-system-gains-traction-utility-healthcare-sectors Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:40:00 GMT Campus, DMR, Hospital/Medical, Icom, Utility avaupel yes Kenwood USA's Ron Runyan talks about the company's NEXEDGE digital mobile radio technology, which provides users with an easy migration path from analog to digital. Kenwood USA system sales manager Ron Runyan talks with Urgent Communications' Glenn Bischoff about the company's NEXEDGE digital mobile radio technology, which provides users with an easy migration path from analog to digital, in both conventional and trunked modes. For more information, please visit Kenwood's booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/kenwood/kenwood-helps-ease-transition-analog-digital Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:30:00 GMT DMR, Kenwood avaupel yes Motorola Solutions' Rishi Bhaskar discusses states' requirements in the context of the nationwide FirstNet LTE initiative for public safety. Motorola Solutions vice president Rishi Bhaskar discusses states' requirements in the context of the nationwide FirstNet LTE initiative for public safety with Urgent Communications' Donny Jackson. For more information, please visit Motorola's booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/motorola-solutions/motorola-focuses-public-safety-lte-needs Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:20:00 GMT Motorola Solutions, Public Safety avaupel yes Powertrunk's Yvonne Brown highlights the benefits of TETRA as a land-mobile-radio solution in North America. Powertrunk vice president Yvonne Brown highlights the benefits of TETRA as a land-mobile-radio solution in North America with Urgent Communications' Donny Jackson. For more information, please visit Powertrunk's booth at the IWCE/UC Virtual Tradeshow, which is now available on demand. (Free registration required.) http://urgentcomm.com/powertrunk/powertrunk-brings-tetra-north-america Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:10:00 GMT PowerTrunk, TETRA avaupel yes We will be presenting the second annual IWCE/UC virtual trade show on Wednesday, Dec. 12. UC Editor-in-Chief Glenn Bischoff chatted with Event Director Stacey Orlick about what attendees can expect to experience next week. Next Wednesday, Dec. 12, we will be presenting the second annual IWCE/UC virtual trade show. Attendees will be able to learn about important technology developments and engage in live chat with representatives of key vendors. They'll also participate in three webinars that will explore timely topics, and provide attendees with perspectives and advice from industry leaders. The sessions include: FirstNet: Redefining nationwide broadband Narrowbanding: What are my options now? From LMR to LTE: Pathway to the future Earlier today I chatted with Event Director Stacey Orlick about what attendees can expect to experience next week. http://urgentcomm.com/iwce/virtual-trade-show Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:26:00 GMT Land-Mobile Radio, Long-Term Evolution, IWCE, Narrowbanding, NTIA/FirstNet, Public Safety avaupel yes FirstNet board member Jeff Johnson discusses the recent visit by non-public-safety members of the FirstNet board to New York in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board member Jeff Johnson speaks with UC editor Donny Jackson about the recent visit by non-public-safety members of the FirstNet board to New York in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. http://urgentcomm.com/psap/firstnets-johnson-applauds-colleagues-commitment-learn-about-public-safety Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:46:00 GMT NTIA/FirstNet, PSAP, Public Safety Donald Jackson yes Former APCO President Gregg Riddle talks about the establishment of FirstNet, initiatives to reverse T-Band rules, and efforts to enable public-safety answering points to received 911 text messages. What is the status of the recently funded public-safety broadband network? How will multimedia play a role in transmitting data from citizens to dispatch to public-safety personnel in the field? To answer some of these questions, FIRE CHIEF magazine's Mary Rose Roberts spoke with Gregg Riddle, immediate-past president of the Association of Public Safety Officials (APCO). (FIRE CHIEF is a sister publication of Urgent Communications.) Riddle talks about the recent naming of members to the nationwide public-safety broadband network board, FirstNet. He also provides details about the Public Safety Alliance's efforts to lobby officials about keeping the T-Band spectrum with public safety instead of auctioning it off, as well as current APCO President Terry Hall's work to support text messaging at public-safety answering points. In this podcast, Riddle also discusses: APCO's work to reclaim the T-Band by lobbying federal officials FirstNet's request for suggestions for the design of the nationwide, public-safety broadband network FCC's request to the wireless industry to allow citizens to use SMS to text dispatch, the first step toward NG-911 Predictions on what role technology will play in public safety in 2013 http://urgentcomm.com/apco/former-apco-head-discusses-what-s-next-public-safety-communications Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:24:00 GMT APCO, Interoperability, Interoperability, Legislation, NG-911, NTIA/FirstNet, PSAP, Public Safety, System Design admin yes Chief Jeff Johnson (Ret.), one of public safety's staunchest advocates for the nationwide public-safety broadband network, addresses the state of the D Block, the network's importance, and why chiefs should join his lobbying campaign. Rumors are circulating on the Hill and throughout the public-safety industry that the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will undo the progress made to allocate the D Block spectrum to public safety, provide $10 billion to $12 billion in funding for a nationwide broadband network, and establish an independent governing authority to build and sustain the network. The subcommittee was expected to take up a proposal spearheaded by Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.), who unveiled a draft version that did not allocate D Block to public safety and proposed a "sunset" of narrowband use of 700 MHz spectrum after 10 years. To address the state of the D Block, Urgent Communications Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts spoke with Chief Jeff Johnson (Ret.), one of public safety's staunchest advocates for the nationwide public-safety broadband network. He also addresses the network's importance and why chiefs should join his lobbying campaign. http://urgentcomm.com/podcasts/podcast-johnson-d-block-rumors-hill Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:26:00 GMT Legislation, Public Safety admin yes John Snapp, senior technical officer for Intrado, discusses the FCC's latest proposed rulemaking on next-generation 911. Senior Writer Donny Jackson talks with John Snapp, senior technical officer for Intrado, about the FCC's latest proposed rulemaking on next-generation 911. http://urgentcomm.com/regulation/intrado-fcc-takes-good-first-step-ng-911-proceeding Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:12:00 GMT FCC, Intrado, NG-911, PSAP, Regulation admin yes Fire Chief Mitch Randles share his experiences the day an EF-5 tornado hit Joplin, Mo., including operational and communications hindrances, as well as other lessons learned. Fire Chief Mitch Randles lost his home and most of his belongings on May 22 when an EF-5 tornado swept through the town, killing more than 140 people. It was a deadly day, and it was only when the storm cleared and people emerged that the real toll could start to be measured and response efforts planned. He joined Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to share his experiences the day the tornado hit, including operational and communications hindrances, as well as other lessons learned. http://urgentcomm.com/disaster-response/joplin-fire-chief-shares-emergency-communications-lessons-deadly-tornado Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:40:00 GMT Disaster Response, Fire/EMS admin yes FEMA's Damon Penn discusses mechanics of the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, how it will be used to distribute presidential alerts and what the message would look like. Damon Penn, FEMA's Assistant Administrator of National Continuity Programs Directorate, joined Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, scheduled for Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. (EST). The EAS is a national alert and warning system used by the president to address the American public during emergencies and also is used by NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities to issue more localized alerts. Penn has been with FEMA since 2004, where he served as the defense coordinating officer for Florida. There, he was part of the FEMA emergency response team, responsible for all Department of Defense assets, providing millions of pounds of relief supplies and other forms of support to assist the Florida emergency management effort. He also is a retired U.S. Army colonel. In the podcast, Penn discusses the mechanics of the test, how it will be used to distribute presidential alerts and what the message would look like if there was an actual emergency. Penn also stressed the importance of developing continuity of operations plans, both in the public and private sectors. http://urgentcomm.com/federal-governmentmilitary/femas-penn-discusses-upcoming-nationwide-emergency-alert-system-test Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:40:00 GMT Disaster Response, Federal Government/Military, First Responders, Public admin yes Carolyn Stonner, public-information specialist with FEMA Region VII, describes conditions on the ground, explains FEMA's role in the tornado response, and discusses radio communications complications, as the tornado destroyed infrastructure. After the EF-5 tornado lifted, first responders in Joplin, Mo., called on local mutual-aid pacts to begin the grueling task of looking for survivors and clearing debris. The city also called on FEMA Region VII coordinators to help manage outside resources. Carolyn Stonner is a public-information specialist with Region VII. She joined FIRE CHIEF Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to describe conditions on the ground and explain FEMA's role in the response, when federal resources reached the area and which teams were sent. Stonner also discussed radio communications complications, as the tornado destroyed infrastructure, and how fire chiefs can work with the agency prior to natural disasters to improve response and better serve the community. http://urgentcomm.com/disaster-response/fema-rep-describes-joplin-response-radio-communications-complications Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:54:00 GMT Disaster Response admin yes Jose Vazquez, director of fire-responder technologies for the DHS S&T, explains the mock earthquake exercise's goals, how Virtual USA was used and lessons learned, including the importance of using databases to capture and disseminate ... The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate announced that its Virtual USA data warehouse played a key role in supporting the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) states and partners participating last month in a national-level exercise. During the exercise, CUSEC member states and partners leveraged Virtual USA to discover and share information throughout the region during a mock earthquake event in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Since January, Virtual USA officials worked with the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, as well as FEMA Regions IV and VI, to plan the exercise. The CUSEC states and partners identified seven common data layers as critical when responding to an earthquake, and shared this information via Virtual USA. These included real-time status updates from emergency operations centers, hospitals, shelters, communications and power facilities, major highways and roads, as well as casualty reports. The exercise was held a few weeks prior to the May 22 EF-5 tornado that killed 130 people in Joplin, Mo. — an eerie reminder that disasters strike at their own convenience. Indeed, the exercise let responders practice sharing information across agencies and jurisdictions to support regional recovery efforts. To learn more, Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts spoke with Jose Vazquez, director of fire-responder technologies for the DHS S&T. Vazquez explained the exercise's goals, how Virtual USA was used and lessons learned, including the importance of using databases to capture and disseminate information. http://urgentcomm.com/federal-governmentmilitary/mock-earthquake-tests-virtual-usas-information-sharing-capabilities Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:00:00 GMT Asset-Tracking, DHS, Disaster Response, Disaster Response, Disaster Response, Federal Government/Military, Interoperability, Interoperability, Regional Coordination, Regional Planning, State & Local Government admin yes Thomas Chirhart, program manager of the DHS S&T Multiband Radio Program, discusses the pilot to test the latest multiband radio technology, including its future and lessons learned thus far. The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate conducted a 30-day pilot in the New Orleans to test the latest multiband radio technology, which lets disparate agencies communicate across jurisdictions regardless of radio band. Specifically, the New Orleans Department of Emergency Management and the New Orleans Police Department tested Harris's Unity XG-100P multiband radio's interoperability during the city's Jazz and Heritage Festival events that ended May 8. The pilot has been extended so that Louisiana agencies can test this system further in preparation for hurricane season, said Thomas Chirhart, program manager of the DHS S&T Multiband Radio Program. Chirhart joined Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss the pilot, including its future and lessons learned thus far. http://urgentcomm.com/multiband-radio/chirhart-discusses-multiband-radio-pilot-new-orleans-jazz-fest Wed, 18 May 2011 13:28:00 GMT DHS, Federal Government/Military, Harris, Multiband Radio, Public Safety, State & Local Government admin yes Chief Jeff Johnson, who was recently appointed chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, shares insider details about President Obama's announcement at Northern Michigan University that set forth the administration's priorities for a ... Chief Jeff Johnson, former president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and current chief executive officer of the Western Fire Chiefs Association, recently was appointed chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee of the Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC) by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. ERIC oversees the technical and operational framework development of a nationwide public-safety wireless broadband network. Johnson joined Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss Obama's Feb. 10 speech at Northern Michigan University, where he set forth the administration's priorities for a public-safety broadband network. In the podcast, he explains the administration plan for a $5 billion investment in fourth-generation — commonly known as "4G" — wireless network infrastructure to facilitate the establishment of a nationwide interoperable public-safety network. He also will provide insight on voluntary incentive auctions to procure spectrum and funding; on the division of promised 500 MHz of spectrum; and why Long Term Evolution (LTE) — one version of a 4G network — was established as an operating standard for public safety. http://urgentcomm.com/legislation/psac-chair-jeff-johnson-shares-obamas-priorities-public-safety-broadband-network Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:47:00 GMT Legislation, Public Safety, Public Safety admin yes Chief Jeff Johnson, president and chairman of the International Association of Fire Chiefs board, discusses communications in the fire service, specifically the national broadband plan for public-safety communications. Chief Jeff Johnson, EFO, CFO, MIFireE, is the president and chairman of the board for the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Johnson joined Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) in 1989 and became chief in 1995. Johnson also is a representative of the SAFECOM Emergency Response Council. He joined Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss communications in the fire service, specifically the national broadband plan for public-safety communications. http://urgentcomm.com/fireems/iafcs-johnson-speaks-broadband-plan Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:55:00 GMT Fire/EMS, Legislation admin yes Charles Werner discusses Virtual USA, an information-sharing initiative that aims to give the nation the ability to share information seamlessly across localities, states and regions. The nation's ability to share information seamlessly across localities, states and regions still is limited. To address the problem, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate's Command, Control and Interoperability Division — assisted by the First Responder Technologies program — created Virtual USA. Charles Werner joined Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss the information-sharing initiative. Werner is a 34-year veteran of the fire-rescue service. He recently celebrated his 31st year with the Charlottesville (Va.) Fire Department and currently serves as its chief. He also is an International Association of Fire Chiefs communications committee member and SAFECOM's executive committee chair. http://urgentcomm.com/federal-governmentmilitary/werner-virtual-usa Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:50:00 GMT Asset-Tracking, DHS, Federal Government/Military, Interoperability, Interoperability, Public Safety, Regional Coordination, State & Local Government admin yes Charles Werner discusses the reliability and challenges the fire service faces when it comes to radio communications. Reliable radio communications are essential for first responders at an incident. Charles Werner joined Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss the reliability and challenges the fire service faces when it comes to radio communications. Werner is a 34-year veteran of the volunteer and career fire rescue service. He recently celebrated his 31st year with the Charlottesville, Va., Fire Department and presently serves as its fire chief. He also is a member of the International Association of Fire Chief's Communications Committee and executive committee chair of SAFECOM. http://urgentcomm.com/fireems/werner-reliable-radio-communications Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:21:00 GMT Fire/EMS admin yes NIST's Kate Remley discusses how robotics measure up during search-and-rescue incidents, issues with interference and future trends. Kate Remley received a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Oregon State University, Corvallis, in 1999. Shortly afterwards, she joined the electro-magnetics division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Boulder, Colo., office as an electronics engineer. Her research focuses on wireless systems and developing methods for improved radio communications for the public-safety community. She joins Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss how robotics measure up during search-and-rescue incidents, issues with interference and future trends. http://urgentcomm.com/robots-drones-amp-uavs/nists-dr-kate-remley-robotics-first-response Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:51:00 GMT NIST/PSCR, Robots, Drones & UAVs admin yes Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) Chairman Harlin McEwen discusses recommendations to the FCC regarding the minimum requirements for a proposed 700 MHz wireless broadband network for public safety. Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) Chairman Harlin McEwen talks with Urgent Communications Senior Writer Donny Jackson about PSST recommendations to the FCC regarding the minimum requirements for a proposed 700 MHz wireless broadband network for public safety. McEwen addresses the influence of the National Public Safety Telecommunication Council (NPSTC) broadband task force on the recommendations, as well as what the PSST hopes to learn if the FCC grants waivers allowing certain public-safety agencies to begin building broadband networks on the spectrum early. With representation from 15 public-safety and governmental organizations, the PSST is the licensee of public safety's 10 MHz of broadband spectrum in the 700 MHz band. http://urgentcomm.com/regulation/psst-chairman-harlin-mcewen-700-mhz-network-requirements Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:12:00 GMT FCC, Interoperability, NPSTC, Public Safety, Public Safety, Regulation admin yes Gen. Wesley Clark speaks about U.S. security and strategies, including how interoperable communications play a crucial role in the battlefield and on the home front. Gen. Wesley Clark joins Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to speak about U.S. security and strategies, including how interoperable communications play a crucial role in the battlefield and on the home front. Gen. Clark spent 34 years in the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense, receiving several military decorations, honorary knighthoods and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He commanded Operation Allied Force in Kosovo during his term as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO from 1997 to 2000 and now heads WesPAC, a lobbying group focused on U.S. security at home and abroad. http://urgentcomm.com/military/gen-wesley-clark-military-communications-strategies Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:30:00 GMT Interoperability, Interoperability, Military admin yes Glendale (Ariz.) Fire Department Chief Mark Burdick shares the details of his department's continuity of operations (COOP) plan. Agencies are preparing for a more dangerous fall flu season as a result of the H1N1, or swine flu, strain. The threat is a reminder that public safety agencies must have continuity of operations, or COOP, plan, which was established in 2004 in the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters COOP guidance document. In the guidance, each public-safety agency is encouraged to develop COOP plans that meet the unique needs of the areas they serve. So today, Glendale Fire Department Chief Mark Burdick spoke to Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to share details of his department's plan. Burdick joined Glendale Fire Department in 1983. He progressed through ranks and was appointed chief on Aug. 1, 2002. He has a bachelor's degree from Ottawa University in 1989 and gained a master's degree from the university in 2001. Related Links http://www.fema.gov/doc/government/coop/coop_plan_blank_template.doc http://www.wrc.noaa.gov/wrso/oep-coop.htm http://urgentcomm.com/fireems/continuity-operations-flu-pandemics Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:45:00 GMT Disaster Response, Fire/EMS admin yes Adm. Thomas Fargo discusses emergency alert systems and how they are being used in the government sector. Use of emergency alerting systems has become more widespread, as both enterprises and public-safety turn to the technology to evacuate areas and warn the public of pending perils. Adm. Thomas Fargo discusses emergency alert systems and how they are being used in the government sector. http://urgentcomm.com/alerting-systems/mass-notification-alerts-improve-situational-awareness Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:16:00 GMT Alerting Systems, Incident Command/Situational Awareness, Federal Government/Military, First Responders, Public, Public Safety, State & Local Government admin yes Rob Conant, Trilliant's senior vice president of network products, discussed the smart-grid opportunity, the company's recent acquisition of SkyPilot Networks and its value proposition to the utility industry. Rob Conant, Trilliant's senior vice president of network products, discussed the smart-grid opportunity, the company's recent acquisition of Wi-Fi mesh network provider SkyPilot Networks and its value proposition to the utility industry. http://urgentcomm.com/smart-grids/trilliant-talks-powering-smart-grid Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:38:00 GMT Ad-Hoc Networks/Mesh Networking, Smart Grids, Utility admin yes Steve Marz, vice president of Intergraph Corp., discusses the challenges faced by 911 call centers and how innovations by the wireless industry can help. Steve Marz, vice president of Intergraph Corp., discusses the challenges faced by 911 call centers and how innovations by the wireless industry can help. http://urgentcomm.com/dispatch/intergraph-vp-addresses-issues-facing-call-takers-911-centers Tue, 05 May 2009 12:04:00 GMT Dispatch, PSAP admin yes Jeff Wittek, vice president of corporate business development for Plant CML, talks about challenges facing call takers and 911 centers and the technological solutions provided by the industry. Jeff Wittek, vice president of corporate business development for Plant CML, talks about challenges facing call takers and 911 centers and the technological solutions provided by the industry. http://urgentcomm.com/dispatch/plant-cml-vp-discusses-future-911-centers Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:20:00 GMT Dispatch, Cassidian, PSAP admin yes Verizon's Steve Zipperstein reveals the public-safety community's reaction, the technology implications and whether or not Congress will fund his D Block plan. Verizon's Steve Zipperstein reveals the public-safety community's reaction, the technology implications and whether or not Congress will fund his D Block plan. http://urgentcomm.com/policy/verizons-zipperstein-confident-tax-payers-will-fund-new-d-block-plan Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:20:00 GMT Legislation, Policy, Public Safety admin yes John Facella — a veteran firefighter and director of public-safety systems for Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems — talks about the state of radio communications in our nation's fire departments. John Facella — a veteran firefighter and director of public-safety systems for Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems — talks about the state of radio communications in our nation's fire departments. Facella said today a cadre of two-way radios and infrastructure support advanced communications. He believes the future of communications in the fire service is twofold. http://urgentcomm.com/fireems/podcast-facella-fire Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:59:00 GMT Fire/EMS admin yes Polaris Wireless' CEO Manlio Allegra will be amongst several panelists discussing in-building coverage at the "Location-Based Systems in Enterprise and Critical Infrastructure" session at IWCE in Las Vegas. Polaris Wireless' CEO Manlio Allegra will be amongst several panelists discussing in-building coverage at the Location-Based Systems in Enterprise and Critical Infrastructure session at the International Wireless Communications Exposition (IWCE) in Las Vegas. The session will offer case studies and discuss how public-safety benefits from location-based technologies. http://urgentcomm.com/building/building-wireless-coverage-iwce-session-sneak-peek-polaris-wireless-ceo-manlio-allegra Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:20:00 GMT In-Building, Critical Infrastructure, Enterprise, Tracking, Monitoring & Control admin yes Chris Gates, vice president of strategy with SkyTerra, discusses the company's pending introduction of a next-generation all-IP satellite and a crucial deal with Qualcomm that will bring to market inexpensive handsets with attractive form factors. The mobile satellite services, or MSS, industry has entered a resurrection period as new regulations and satellite capabilities enable companies to offer ubiquitous voice and high-speed data services to government, enterprises and consumers — without the clunky handsets of the past. One of these companies is SkyTerra Communications, formerly known as Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV), which hosts satellite mutual-aid radio talk groups (SMARTs) that offer push-to-talk one-to-one and one-to-many communications. This week, Lynette Luna spoke with Chris Gates, vice president of strategy with SkyTerra, about the company's pending introduction of a next-generation all-IP satellite and a crucial deal with Qualcomm that will bring to market inexpensive handsets with attractive form factors. http://urgentcomm.com/public-safety/skyterra-aims-large-role-public-safety-communications Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:52:00 GMT Interoperability, Portables, Public Safety, Satellite admin yes Drew Chandler, IT and communications manager for the Kentucky Department for Public Health's preparedness branch, discusses the national public health-oriented satellite talkgroups offered through SkyTerra Communications' SMART (satellite ... The Kentucky Department for Public Health will regionally manage national public health-oriented satellite talkgroups offered through SkyTerra Communications' SMART (satellite mutual-aid radio talkgroups) program. The talkgroups will provide a communication outlet that can be used specifically by regional, medical-based first responders, said Drew Chandler, IT and communications manager for the department's preparedness branch. http://urgentcomm.com/state-amp-local-government/kentucky-department-public-health-administer-medical-talkgroups Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:45:00 GMT Interoperability, Regional Planning, Satellite, State & Local Government admin yes Jennifer Manner, vice president of regulatory affairs of SkyTerra, discusses the company's SMART mutual-aid radio talkgroups, as well as the deployment of satellite-based communication systems during an emergency response. In my last column, I wrote about SkyTerra Communication's SMART mutual-aid radio talkgroups that were developed specifically for medical first-responders to communicate during nationwide emergencies. The company offers first responders and government agencies several SMART talkgroups supported by the company's satellite network and handsets. To learn more about its applications, Lynette Luna spoke with Jennifer Manner, vice president of regulatory affairs of SkyTerra, about the mutual-aid channels and the deployment of satellite-based communication systems during an emergency response. http://urgentcomm.com/satellite/fast-evolving-satellite-technology-becoming-bigger-tool-toolbox Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT Disaster Response, Disaster Response, Interoperability, Satellite admin yes Charles Werner, chief of the Charlottesville, Va., Fire Department, who also is SAFECOM Executive Council chairman and a member of the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council's board, discusses the FCC's plan to reconstitute the ... Last week I wrote a commentary (Squawk Box, January 28) in which I urged the FCC to rethink its plan to reconstitute the board of directors of the Public Safety Spectrum Trust — the licensee for 700 MHz airwaves that would be paired with commercial spectrum in the band to create a nationwide broadband network for first responders — which would result in the ouster of current chairman Harlin McEwen. This week, Glenn Bischoff discusses the matter with Charles Werner, chief of the Charlottesville, Va., Fire Department, who also is SAFECOM Executive Council chairman and a member of the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council's board, as well as other public-safety communications organizations. http://urgentcomm.com/policy/werner-dont-throw-baby-out-bathwater Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:08:00 GMT FCC, NPSTC, Policy admin yes APCO president elect Richard Mirgon spoke about the association's request to allocate $15 billion for the proposed public-private partnership to build a nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety in he 700 MHz band and about the ... The Public Safety Spectrum Trust and APCO recently asked President Barack Obama to allocate $15 billion for the proposed public-private partnership to build a nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety in he 700 MHz band. Lynnette Luna spoke with APCO president elect Richard Mirgon about the request and about the technology challenges APCO will face going forward. http://urgentcomm.com/legislation/apco-says-federal-funding-vital-national-wireless-broadband-network-success Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:08:00 GMT APCO, Legislation, Public Safety admin yes Charles Werner talks about the 700 MHz D-block auction process and the prospects for the nationwide wireless broadband network for first responders that has been proposed for the band. This week, Lynnette Luna talks with Charles Werner, chief of the Charlottesville (Va.) fire department — who also is SAFECOM Executive Committee chair, IAFC Technology Council chair and a member of the NPSTC Governing Board — about the 700 MHz D-block auction process and the prospects for the nationwide wireless broadband network for first responders that has been proposed for the band. http://urgentcomm.com/public-safety/werner-still-optimistic-concerning-proposed-700-mhz-network Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:59:00 GMT NPSTC, Public Safety