Homeland Security Wireless Services

In 2003 the FCC assigned the 4940-4990 MHz frequency band for Public Safety use. Any qualified agency may now obtain a license and use the band.

As a licensed band the greatest advantage that the 4.9 GHz band offers is an interference free operating environment for Public Safety broadband communications, now and in the future. Some municipalities were early adopters of Unlicensed systems in the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz operating bands, however they are now finding increasing cases of interference from commercial and private operations in these bands, particularly in the 2.4 GHz band.

Leased T1 services
Municipal authorities and public safety agencies typically have multiple leased T1 services from Service Providers. Costs for these services can be several hundred dollars per month. Rolling these services to a 4.9 backbone system can result in very large savings.

Nomadic Systems
A 4.9 GHz backbone can be used to support specially equipped mobile units such as SWAT vans, or Mobile Incident Command Centers, providing broadband links into municipal or public safety agency infrastructure and networks. These units can also be equipped as repeater sites, providing temporary broadband support to first responders.

Internet Connectivity
Almost all municipal and public safety locations have internet connectivity these days, this is typically provided by connection to a service provider on a site by site basis. A 4.9 municipal wireless system will allow connection to Internet at a single location, with distribution to all other locations via the 4.9 backbone.

Leased voice services, Control and Telemetry
In addition to T1 and other multi-channel services, municipalities and public safety agencies typically lease multiple single channel services. These services can also be rolled to a 4.9 Ghz backbone for additional savings. Voice-Over-IP technology enables voice calls via the network.

Video Surveillance
In addition to other services a 4.9 Ghz backbone system can support a city wide Video Surveillance system. Other monitors such as pollution monitors and weather stations can also be supported. The system supports content transmission in the downstream directions as well, permitting the installation of public alert and municipal control systems.

Backup and Redundancy
A 4.9 GHz backbone can be used as an alternative path for critical communications systems, hardening them for continued operation in times of emergency.