Education conference covers the bases
With Nextel’s acceptance of the FCC’s order to reband the 800 MHz airwaves to eliminate the interference that has been plaguing public-safety communications for several years, everyone in the food chain is wondering how to proceed. While answers are beginning to emerge (see the cover story in the First Responder Communications supplement to this issue) many questions still persist.
In order to provide some of the answers, the organizers of IWCE 2005 — which will be held next month at the Las Vegas Convention Center and which is sponsored by MRT — have carved out a “rebanding zone” on the exhibits floor. The FCC-appointed Transition Administrator (TA) — consisting of system integrator BearingPoint, radio frequency (RF) consultancy Baseline Telecom and the law firm of Squires, Sanders and Dempsey — will be one of the rebanding zone exhibitors.
However, the highlight of the rebanding zone promises to be the series of Q&A sessions that will be held throughout IWCE in a special arena erected on the exhibits floor.
At IWCE 2005, the focus will be on the next steps. A special session moderated by MRT columnist Alan Tilles, an attorney with the law firm of Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, “800 MHz Rebanding Update” — to be held Thurs., April 7 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. — will provide an overview of where matters currently stand, with a focus on the TA-established schedule.
In addition, the five Q&A sessions will focus on the role equipment vendors, engineers and consultants will play as rebanding plays out over the next three years. Members of the TA and FCC staff are scheduled to participate in each of these sessions.
Commercial wireless carriers represent just one source of harmful interference; sometimes the problems come from within. Consequently, one IWCE conference session will provide tips on how public-safety agencies can manage interference between adjacent analog and digital two-way radio systems.
Other sessions will examine emerging or evolving technology solutions such as radio-over-IP, voice-over-Wi-Fi, radio frequency identification — a segment that will generate annual worldwide revenues between $3.1 billion and $3.8 billion by 2008, according to ABI Research — software-defined radio and digital encryption.
Two topics that have been in the spotlight over the past year — tower safety and interoperability — also will be given significant attention during IWCE 2005.
A session led by David Boyd, director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Project SAFECOM, and featuring Steve Proctor, executive director of the Utah Communications Agency Network (UCAN) — a quasi-state agency that operates and maintains a 10-county regional communications system serving 109 separate public safety agencies — will provide insight concerning how to achieve interoperable communications across agencies and levels of government.
While tower safety appears to be getting better (see “Rising Fortunes,” MRT February 2005), there are some who believe the improved safety record over the past year is more an aberration than a trend. A session, led by attorneys and engineers (Thurs., April 7 from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m.), will examine the FCC’s and OSHA’s tower-safety rules and offer strategies to achieve compliance.
Many believe that more time should be spent by public-safety agencies to train first responders on how to use today’s increasingly complex radios. IWCE 2005 is putting a spin on radio training with an all-day workshop on Mon., April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., that will offer a primer on how to create and implement an RF radiation-training program. While FCC rules governing RF exposure levels have been in place for a while, no standard exists to govern such training programs. This session will tell how to create an RF safety program or update an existing one, with an emphasis on finding a balance between classroom and hands-on instruction.
The FCC has been criticized often over the past couple of years for its deliberate — some would say sloth-like — approach to policy decisions. Should the FCC be reorganized and split into separate segments governing broadcasting and telecommunications? Should it merge with other government entities such as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration? These questions and more will be addressed by an expert panel that includes Dale Hatfield, adjunct professor in the department of interdisciplinary telecommunications at the University of Colorado — and the former chief of the FCC’s office of engineering and technology — and Edmond Thomas, chief of the FCC’s office of engineering and technology. This session will be held Fri., April 8 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
IWCE 2005 Basics
Dates: Technology workshops: Mon., April 4 to Tues., April 5; Conference and exhibits: Wed., April 6 to Fri., April 8
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Keynote: Adrian Cronauer, upon whom the movie “Good Morning, Vietnam!” was based, and currently special assistant to the director of the Pentagon’s POW/MIA Office, Wed., April 6 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Welcome reception: Wed., April 6, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (located in the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom C)
Exhibit hours:
Wed., April 6 to Thurs., April 7, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., April 8, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Workshop hours:
Mon., April 4; Tues., April 5, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Conference hours:
Wed., April 6, 1:00 to 4:50 p.m.
Thurs., April 7, 10:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Fri., April 8, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
9-1-1 MAGAZINE | 14027 |
A.W. Enterprises | 1012 |
A/F CommSupply | 1036 |
AC/DC Industries | 4067 |
Access Spectrum | 12020 |
ACE Technology | 12075 |
AD Products Co. | 9058 |
Adtran | 8060 |
Advanced Charger Technology | 4028 |
Advanced Labeling Solutions | 4054 |
AdvanceTec Industries Inc. | 6050 |
AEA Wireless | 1008 |
Aeroflex | 9021 |
AFL Inc. | 6068 |
Agiosat Global Communications | 3075 |
AGL-Above Ground Level Publishing Magazine | 14025 |
Airaya | 11060 |
Airwaves Licensing Assistance Inc. | 9044 |
ALCATEL | 7063 |
Allied Moulded Products Inc. | 5076 |
American Association of Paging Carriers (AAPC) | 3064 |
American International Radio | 9065 |
Amphenol Connex | 12071 |
Amrel Systems Inc. | 11027 |
AMTA | 12033 |
Anchor Graphics Inc. | 5067 |
Anritsu Co. | 9055 |
Antcom Corp. | 6077 |
Antenex Inc. | 6044 |
Antenna Specialists – a brand of PCTEL Antenna Pro | 8049 |
APCO International | 12027 |
AR Worldwide | 5065 |
ARINC | 9040 |
Astron Corp. | 5039 |
ATI Wireless | 3071 |
Atlantic Scientific Corp. | 11051 |
Avcomm International | 14045 |
Avtec Inc. | 8040 |
Axtech Batteries | 3038 |
Bard Manufacturing Co. | 6075 |
BEE Electronics Inc. | 4018 |
Bird Electronic Corp. | 7041 |
Bird Technologies | 7041 |
Bluewave Antenna Systems Ltd. | 1042 |
Bridgecom Systems | 9060 |
Bruncom Inc. | 14055 |
Cable X-Perts Inc. | 5069 |
Cadex Electronics Inc. | 9054 |
Calamp Corp. | 3054 |
Call24 Wireless Call Box Systems | 3042 |
Canyon Ridge Communications Inc. | 3067 |
Cape Communications International | 4019 |
Catalyst Communications Technologies Inc. | 8070 |
Cellular Fantasy | 14040 |
Cellular Specialties | 11050 |
Centurion Wireless Technologies Inc. | 8013 |
CES Wireless Technologies | 6019 |
ChargeGuard Inc. | 11021 |
Childs Antennas Corp. | 9037 |
Cimarron Technologies Corp. | 12018 |
Citel Inc. | 10050 |
CML Emergency Services | 13030 |
Cobalt A/V | 1054 |
Commtech | 14039 |
Commtech Wireless Pty Ltd. | 4061 |
Communication Applied-AT | 13050 |
ComProd Communications | 3009 |
Computer Resources Inc. | 3048 |
Comsource Int. Pty. Inc. | 3051 |
Comsystems | 11045 |
Comtelco Industries Inc. | 5045 |
Connect Systems Inc. | 7067 |
Cook’s Communications Corp/FleetStat AVL | 1020 |
CPI Communications Inc. | 3026 |
Crescend Technologies | 1037 |
CTA Communications | 13045 |
CVDS Inc. | 8065 |
CX2 Technologies | 14038 |
Dalman Technical Services Ltd. | 13046 |
Daniels Electronics Ltd. | 10032 |
Dantherm HMS Inc. | 5061 |
Dataradio Corp. | 5025 |
Dataradio Corp. | 12050 |
Datron World Communications Inc. | 6060 |
David Clark Company Inc. | 4012 |
David Levy Company Inc. | 11034 |
dbSpectra | 9061 |
Delta Electronics Mfg. Corp. | 9051 |
Dielectric | 14021 |
Digital Antenna Inc. | 10046 |
Digital Dispatch Systems | 2037 |
Digital Paging Co. | 3059 |
Double Summit | 12074 |
Draka NK Cables USA Inc. | 6064 |
DS Technologies | 2028 |
DuPont Building Inc. | 8075 |
DuraComm Corp. | 5049 |
DX Radio Systems Inc. | 12037 |
Dynamic Instruments Inc. | 1026 |
EADS | 10067 |
EarHugger Safety Equipment | 8069 |
Earmark LLC | 1048 |
Eartec/Porta Phone | 12044 |
EFJohnson | 4037 |
Electro-Comm Distributing | 13013 |
Electronic Systems Technology Inc. | 1046 |
Eltek Energy LLC | 7075 |
Empire Scientific | 8063 |
EMR Corporation | 5033 |
Engenius Technologies Inc. | 13051 |
Enviro – Buildings Inc. | 9074 |
EPCOM | 13001 |
Etherstack | 7077 |
Eventide Inc. | 1004 |
Exacom Inc. | 10015 |
Exocomm Technology Group /Lifecel Batteries | 1055 |
Federal Communications Commission | 1049 |
Fiber-Span LLC | 14012 |
Fibrebond | 7074 |
FleetBoss GPS | 8077 |
Forestry Conservation Communications Assoc. | 1058 |
Fred A. Nudd Corp. | 3046 |
Freelinc | 14004 |
Futurecom Systems Group Inc. | 4055 |
GAI-Tronics Corp. | 6061 |
Gamber-Johnson | 6033 |
General Dynamics – Decision Systems | 9062 |
Genesis Group | 10051 |
GPS Networking Inc. | 12047 |
Granger Telecom | 1018 |
Harger Lightning & Grounding | 3074 |
Harris Corp. | 8035 |
Havis Shields Equipment Corp. | 2051 |
Honeywell Batteries/Global Technology Systems Inc. | 6069 |
Honeywell Obstruction Lighting | 6065 |
Hutton Communications Inc. | 11011 |
I.S.C. Technologies | 3070 |
Icom America Inc. | 5001 |
ICT | 9041 |
IMSA | 11033 |
Industrial Telecommunications Association Inc. | 13043 |
Infinimode Systems Inc. | 11049 |
IP MobileNet Inc. | 2031 |
Jotto Desk | 11054 |
JV USA Communications | 11071 |
Kathrein Inc, Scala Division | 10041 |
Kaval Wireless Technologies Inc. | 10013 |
Keller and Heckman LLP. | 9076 |
Kenwood USA Corp. | 1001 |
Klein Electronics | 8031 |
Koss Communications | 1028 |
KR Nida Communications | 1024 |
Kullman Industries Inc. | 1033 |
Kyocera | 7069 |
Kyosey Co. Limited | 7062 |
Leathersmith | 2054 |
LEDCO | 12069 |
Lind Electronics Inc. | 5071 |
Link Communications Inc. | 8055 |
Locus Location Systems | 12060 |
LPN Wireless Inc. | 13047 |
Lyman Brothers | 14048 |
M/A COM Inc. | 4009 |
Marketing Connection | 4071 |
Maxon Chongho Systems | 10075 |
Maxrad-a brand of PCTEL Antenna Products Group Inc. | 8049 |
McKay Communications Inc. | 12064 |
Memory Link | 14015 |
Mentor Engineering | 10055 |
Merry Electronics USA Co. Ltd. | 2026 |
MicroPulse – a brand of PCTEL Antenna Products Group | 8049 |
Microwave Data Systems | 13010 |
Midian Electronics Inc. | 8001 |
Midland Radio Corp. | 3001 |
Mobile Mark | 10070 |
Mobile Radio Technology | 14054 |
Mobile Satellite Ventures | 14037 |
Modular Communications Systems (MODUCOM) | 11065 |
Motorola Inc. | 7019 |
Mountain Union Telecom | 4064 |
Multiplier Industries Corp. | 7049 |
Multitone Electronics | 7031 |
NARDA Safety Test Solutions | 2030 |
Nearson | 10060 |
Nemko USA Inc. | 14000 |
New Communications Solutions LLC | 11075 |
Newmar | 7061 |
New-Tronics Antenna Corp/Hustler Inc. | 4022 |
NexTek | 13039 |
Nextel Communications | 14049 |
Nighthawk Systems Inc. | 3062 |
North American Battery Corp. | 14024 |
Oldcastle Communications | 13032 |
Omnitronics Pty Ltd. | 8068 |
Opt-In Wireless | 1022 |
Optoelectronics Inc. | 14033 |
Orbacom Systems Inc. | 6047 |
Ormandy Software | 3030 |
OSI Batteries | 14010 |
OTTO Engineering Inc. | 4051 |
PCTEL Antenna Products Group Inc. | 8049 |
Peltor Communications | 10047 |
Penta Corp. | 5074 |
PEPRO LLC (Pioneer Energy Products) | 14013 |
PolyPhaser Corporation/Transtector Systems | 9033 |
Positron Public Safety Systems Inc. | 4050 |
Power Products | 9047 |
Power Up | 5077 |
PPC | 1031 |
Primus Electronics Corp. | 11040 |
Prism Systems International | 3065 |
Project 25 Technology Interest Group | 5063 |
Prolificx | 11062 |
Prostar Batteries | 1038 |
Pryme Radio Products | 1027 |
PTMW | 11055 |
Pyramid Communications | 2027 |
Racing Electronics | 8059 |
Radiall/Larsen Antenna Technologies | 3013 |
Radio Club of America Inc. | 4069 |
Radio IP Software Inc. | 14014 |
RadioResource Media Group | 10035 |
RadioSoft | 13041 |
Raine Inc | 11025 |
RAM Mounting Systems | 11046 |
Raytheon JPS Communications Inc. | 11037 |
Reliant Electronics | 11069 |
RELM Wireless Corp. | 7001 |
Replacement Headsets.com | 14031 |
Rescom/Quala-Tel | 1050 |
RF Imaging and Communications | 14030 |
RF Industries/Connectors Division | 9002 |
RF Industries/Neulink Division | 9000 |
RF Technology Pty. Ltd. | 5029 |
Ritron Inc. | 5019 |
Sabre Towers and Accessories | 1043 |
Safecom c/o Axiom Communications | 14009 |
Safetran Systems Corp. | 4075 |
SAMLEX America Inc. | 10027 |
SandCherry Inc. | 2049 |
San-tron | 2045 |
Satel Oy | 13025 |
Savox Communications | 2050 |
SCA | 11029 |
Schwaninger & Associates | 4026 |
Seimac Ltd. | 8061 |
Shelter One | 2042 |
Shenglu Antenna Co. Ltd.. | 14036 |
Shenzhen HYT Science and Technology Co. Ltd. | 9075 |
Sierra Technology Inc. | 4070 |
Signal Intelligence | 1010 |
Simulcast Solutions | 11038 |
Sinclair Technologies | 9027 |
SiteSafe Inc. | 12031 |
Smartlink Radio Networks Inc. | 12019 |
SmarTrunk Systems Inc. | 10021 |
SoftWright | 10039 |
Southwest PV Systems Inc. | 2075 |
SpectraSite Communications Inc. | 1056 |
Spectrum Fir, Inc. | 1045 |
Spinner North America Inc. | 12026 |
SPS Energy Solutions | 12024 |
Stancil | 5068 |
STI-CO Industries Inc. | 4030 |
Stone Mountain Design | 13009 |
Sunwize Technologies LLC | 5066 |
Survey Technologies Inc. | 9071 |
Syniverse Technologies | 2043 |
Sytech Corporation | 7037 |
TAD Radio of Canada | 8066 |
Tait North America Inc. | 11001 |
Taiwan Coiler International Corp. | 7076 |
Talkfar LLC | 6074 |
Talley Communications Corp. | 6039 |
TCC Industries Inc. | 8044 |
TEKK Inc. | 4008 |
Televate | 10057 |
Telewave Inc. | 3021 |
Telex Communications Inc. | 3037 |
Teracom Components | 14019 |
Tessco Technologies | 9013 |
TGM Digital Inc. | 10065 |
Thales Communications Inc. | 5055 |
Thermax | 14029 |
Thermo Bond Buildings | 5075 |
Times Microwave Systems | 3025 |
TMC Radio Pty. Ltd. | 8074 |
TPL Communications | 8007 |
Transcrypt International Inc. | 13031 |
Trident Micro Systems | 6025 |
Trilogy Communications | 6055 |
Troy Products (Div of Troy Sheet Metal) | 13026 |
Trylon TSF4 | 13019 |
TWR Lighting Inc. | 3033 |
TX RX Systems Inc. | 7041 |
Unimo Technology Co. Ltd. | 2039 |
Uniross Batteries | 8062 |
United Communications | 7015 |
United Telecom Council | 12030 |
Unitel Development Technology Corp. | 13049 |
Universal Tracking Technologies Inc. | 14008 |
USAlert LLC | 10061 |
V-Comm LLC | 13066 |
VCP International Inc. | 3036 |
Vertex Standard | 9001 |
VFP Inc. | 1032 |
Voice Factor/PCS Inc. | 13037 |
W&W Manufacturing Co. | 7055 |
WaveRider Communications Co. | 9069 |
Whelen Engineering Co. | 11061 |
Wilson Electronics | 2048 |
World Tower Co. | 7060 |
Zetron | 3055 |
Zetron Inc. | 4027 |
*Current as of Feb. 22, 2005 |