News: Independent SMRs select ESAS protocol standard
Wireless Professional Communications Service (WPCS) hosted a two-day meeting, June 20-22, in Portland, OR. Fifteen manufacturers and 30 wireless operators from across the country gathered to discuss plans for implementing the ESAS standard for enhancing analog systems. The protocol was developed in response to dealers’ needs to add features to LTR analog systems. Uniden, Fort Worth, TX, is promoting ESAS as an open standard by encouraging licensing among suppliers.
The meeting featured presentations from manufacturers showing support of WPCS by their decision to provide ESAS-compatible products. Zetron, Redmond, WA, is introducing its ESAS-compatible FastNet switch along with ESAS upgrades for existing controllers. Zetron, IDA, Fargo, ND, and others are producing ESAS billing packages. Maxon, Kansas City, MO, unveiled a duplex ESAS portable available for delivery the fourth quarter of 1996. Standard Communications, Los Angeles, announced full support of WPCS and its development of ESAS equipment. Kenwood Communications, Long Beach, CA, and Kenwood Systems Group, Friendswood, TX, both underlined their commitment to supporting WPCS and announced their evaluation of the ESAS network beta site in Michigan.