Emergency services agencies in the United States have tremendous need for reliable mobile data bandwidth. There has been limited opportunity for such capability until May 2, 2003, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the 4.9 GHz spectrum for exclusive use by public safety agencies for fixed and mobile applications.
Currently, Cellular Digital Packet Data technology provides access to limited mobile data at 14.4 kbps. Some agencies have arranged Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) mobile data service through cell carriers. CDMA provides limited bandwidth and is subject to impedance due to demand by public use. Additionally, some agencies have installed wireless 802.11a capability, also in the public unlicensed domain. The wireless option greatly improves bandwidth, but is also subject to interference from public use.
With the availability of the 4.9 GHz Band (which was transferred from the federal government spectrum,) public service agencies can access a wide bandwidth licensed frequency with the potential of greatly improving emergency communications. Currently, there is limited information available regarding the propagation of this frequency and its use for public service agencies in both the fixed and mobile environments. Emergency service agencies are reluctant to expend tax dollars for untested equipment and technology. This creates the need to test the 4940-4990 MHz band and determine its feasibility in varying topographic applications for public service agencies.
The Parker Fire Protection District project will include mountainous, foothill, suburban, urban, and plains evaluation of the usability of the licensed 4.9 GHz spectrum. Partners include Proxim, who will test the application, the Douglass County Sheriff's Office, Parker Fire Protection District, Cunningham Fire Protection District, and the City and County of Denver.
