IWCE 2003 Overview
Homeland Security
In a world defined by the events of September 11, 2001, homeland security is one of today’s most relevant topics. Land mobile communications are key to protecting US borders. In some instances, these communications present the first and last line of defense. Participants will get familiar with Bush’s policy and Tom Ridge’s plans to protect our borders, and what it means to your business.
Public Safety
The ability of the public safety communications infrastructure to provide critical communications during fires, floods and emergencies is the backbone for first responders. Participants will hear first-hand accounts of those systems that work and those that don’t and how to make sure their systems are not at risk. From analogue to digital, the public safety net is vital in this post 9/11 landscape, but the cost of overlays and upgrades can be daunting. Attendees will get the inside scoop on how to prepare dispatch for the next emergency.
Interoperability
It’s a legacy issue that affects almost all high-tech communications sectors – interoperability. But when public safety communications fail, lives are lost. Participants will learn from real life examples of how interoperability has gone unsolved, even after 9/11, with case studies dating as far back as the assault on Columbine. They will also learn about the government’s efforts and Project SAFECOM.
Business
With all this money allocated to communications infrastructures, do you know how to apply it? Vendors need to know who gets the money to target sales efforts. Public safety agencies need to know how to apply for grants. These sessions show how dealers, large and small, can find ways to compete for airtime systems and get in on their share of government agencies’ revenue by understanding processes and find new ways to generate revenue in the 700Mhz band.
Transportation and Utility Applications
Utility companies and public safety agencies have similar requirements for radio communications, which have led to partnerships in which they share a common radio system. Advances in network-based infrastructure make sharing easier than ever. In this end-user specific set of sessions, participants will learn what opportunities and alternatives may evolve.
Regulatory/Policy
Broadcasters are still parked at 700 MHz. When will the policymakers make good on promises that affect two-way communications? Project 25 and narrowbanding are in the works. Participants will get in touch with the current regulatory environment and learn how the FCC plans to fulfill its obligations.