The T-Band is 470-512 MHz spectrum currently used by public safety licensees. Those users, and presumably the business/industrial users there as well, will have to clear out within 11 years under provisions of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. That new law calls for a 700 MHz public safety broadband network, and to make up for the revenue lost from that band, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has to auction the T-Band spectrum to commercial users within nine years. (A more detailed explanation by Al Ittner appears in the ”Fresh Ideas in Two-Way Communications” blog from Motorola Solutions.)
Now we’re all familiar with the narrowbanding mandate from the FCC that requires companies and public agencies that use two-way radios to employ 12.5 kHz narrowband technology. Users must modify their FCC licenses and, when appropriate, reprogram or replace existing equipment to meet the narrowbanding requirement. The deadline to comply is January 1, 2013, and users who don’t make the switch face potential fines and even possibly the loss of their communication capabilities.
So T-Band users were being told they may have to invest now in new equipment to comply with the narrowbanding mandate only to be moved off the T-Band later. That situation was addressed in the FCC order dated April 25 in which the agency said, “We conclude that it would be inequitable and contrary to the public interest to require PLMR licensees to meet the January 1, 2013 narrowbanding deadline with respect to frequencies in the 470-512 MHz band.”
Complicating matters further still, the FCC on the same day froze new applications for the T-Band and hasn’t said where on the spectrum those users will eventually land. This uncertainty was not lost on Mark Crosby of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA), who wrote on his blog, “I sincerely doubt that requiring public safety, business, industrial, and commercial entities to vacate their T-Band frequencies with no promise of comparable spectrum or adequate compensation, and auctioning this spectrum a decade from now, balances anything at the end of the day.”
So what should two-way radio users make of all this? Al Ittner’s Motorola blog post offers good advice:
“Don’t get caught off guard,” Ittner writes in the post. “The FCC will not accept licensee arguments that claim confusion over what bands this T-Band waiver order applies to. It only applies to those licensees in the 11 major metropolitan areas operating in the 470-512 MHz band.”
]]>Ever wonder how the military came up with the term “walkie-talkie?” Comedian Brian Regan has.
Of course, most of the funny videos about wireless communications are TV commercials, like the one from Nextel that advanced wireless technology but set back dancing.
Phones seem to grab most of the video limelight, as in this commercial from Motorola that offered us a lesson in cell phone etiquette at the office.
For its part, Verizon called in some muscle to tout texting.
Struggling about whether to get your kids a phone? These parents show you just how to react.
This Super Bowl commercial from Motorola put Megan Fox in the bathtub again.
And finally, this one from Ameritrade reminds us of how much respect people have for Motorola.
Which one’s your favorite?
]]>Motorola Solutions employs no less than six Twitter accounts to keep in touch with stakeholders about company news, industry updates, and items of interest to various groups of users. Today, let’s complete our tour of Motorola with a quick look at accounts for wireless network solutions, education, and Motorola’s North America Channel.
@MotWireless is a wide-ranging feed from Motorola’s specialists in wireless network solutions. Here there are items about all kinds of industry trends—such as narrowbanding—and even a retweet of a BearCom piece about the new SL Series radio. This post certainly makes you thirsty for more:
“MSI’s Rick Keith on interoperability: Don’t wait for magic bubble of ‘convergence.’ It’s a myth, like ‘free beer tomorrow.’”
@MotEducation focuses on developments related to K-12 and higher education. One recent tweet encouraged a school-age robotics team:
“‘Wild Stangs’ robotics team of District 214 students and mentors from Motorola Solutions to defend title in St. Louis.”
@MotoChannelNA is the word from Mark Kroh, Vice President of Motorola Solution’s North America Channel, and it brings together items from other Motorola Twitter accounts. There’s even a shoutout about our very own “Wireless Wednesday.” And this:
“Why do you think some great ideas fail while others succeed? Motorola Solutions CTO Paul Steinberg offers insight.”
Twitter is one idea that seems here to stay. And Motorola Solutions has made a real commitment to the social medium as yet another way to share information about things that matter with people who matter. So check out all the Motorola Solutions Twitter feeds. And don’t forget about your favorite wireless superhero on Twitter!
]]>@MotoSolutions is the place for news about Motorola Solutions, its executives, and employees, as well as updates on issues surrounding wireless communication. Here the company spreads the news about a $4 million LTE expansion project in Texas, a planned webinar, and upcoming coverage of Motorola in the news media. There are also tweets about what’s driving RFID adoption, how to encourage shopper loyalty, and tips about sustainability. Here’s a favorite tweet:
“What has 6 radios, 8 antennas, and fits in your pocket? Motorola’s new mission-critical handheld: the LEX 700.”
@MotPublicSafety is all about technology for public safety. There are items about various advances, agencies adopting newer technologies, governmental updates, and news about and opinions from experts. One recent tweet concerned improvements in Internet security. Here’s one that might elicit a fist pump:
“What do Dodgers hero Kirk Gibson and the looming narrowbanding mandate have in common? Read Rick Pollak’s latest blog.”
@MotoRetail is—you guessed it—the place for all things retail. Recent tweets have focused on how retailers are deploying flexible fulfillment strategies, LTE device management, and the slim, light, and powerful SL Series two-way radio. Another helpful item:
“Infographic shows shoppers spend 20% more per purchase on a tablet than a desktop/laptop.”
Next week, we’ll look at three more Motorola Twitter accounts. In the meantime, check out the above Twitter feeds, and be sure to hit “follow!”
]]>BearCom, the nation’s largest dealer of Motorola two-way radios, has been a leader in educating users about narrowbanding. In partnership with Motorola Solutions and the Enterprise Wireless Alliance, BearCom launched the online resource Narrowbanding.com, published the 2012 Two-Way Radio Narrowbanding Guide, and produced two videos about narrowbanding.
Ian Torok is the Director of Technical Services for BearCom and has worked closely with customers as they move toward compliance with the FCC mandate. He recently took time to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about narrowbanding:
1. What’s the best way to comply with the mandate?
Each customer will have its own set of challenges, so it’s up to experts like BearCom to evaluate the customer’s requirements and constraints and then develop the best course of action. There’s not always a single cookie-cutter approach that can be applied, but an inventory of equipment should reveal which units can be converted to 12.5 kHz technology and which must be replaced. Then users can begin the internal processes for arranging the conversions and procuring up-to-date equipment.
2. So some radios can be reprogrammed?
Yes. For many newer-model products, this is all that’s required. Older models may have to be replaced because their programming software came out before the option was given.
3. How is that done?
A technician takes a programming cable specific to the model radio required to be narrowbanded, connects that cable to a PC running the programming software specific to that model, and changes each licensed frequency to operate at 12.5 kHz.
4. How much does reprogramming cost?
Costs can vary depending on the quantities and if a field service technician needs to be dispatched to the customer location. If the customer can afford to rotate radios in and out of service, they can be shipped to a central location—like BearCom’s National Repair Depot in Dallas—and the radios can be reprogrammed on the bench and shipped back to the customer within a matter of days. That’s generally the lower-cost option. Another great option is for the customer to rent radios from BearCom while its radios are being reprogrammed.
5. Is it cheaper to buy new radios?
Typically not. But if the radios are too old to be reprogrammed, the customer may have no other option. However, this becomes a great opportunity for the customer to upgrade to the new digital technology and further enhance and improve two-way communications.
6. How are new radios better than older ones?
It depends on the type of old radio and new radio you’re comparing, but the biggest innovation in newer radios is digital technology. This creates a perceived improved coverage area along with superior voice quality. Leveraging the Motorola MOTOTRBO products, several new data services can be overlaid onto the voice services, such as text and e-mail messaging, as well as GPS tracking.
7. So there really are apps for two-way radios?
Absolutely! Apps aren’t just for smartphones anymore; they also help users of digital two-way radios communicate from more places, manage organizational resources, and improve security. All that adds up to increased efficiency and lower costs. Check out the descriptions of some of the most popular apps.
8. My organization is behind on this. Can we get a waiver or extension from the FCC?
They are both options, but waivers and extensions are far from automatic. And applying for an extension requires organizations to detail their narrowbanding efforts up to that point in time and then commit to a new deadline.
9. What happens if we don’t meet the January 1, 2013 deadline?
Users who don’t make the switch to narrowband technology face potential fines from the FCC and possibly the loss of their communication capabilities.
10. How I can help others in my organization understand all this so we can make it a priority?
Begin with our instructional video about narrowbanding for a quick overview. For more detailed information, go to Narrowbanding.com and our Narrowbanding Guide.
]]>From concerts to conventions and sporting events to corporate events, two-way radios are a staple. Rather than buying radios, many event organizers are choosing to rent their equipment. Renting gives customers access to the latest technology, choice of features, and the assurance that the equipment is all in good working order. Sometimes, event planners need hundreds of radios at a time, and they have to look for suppliers with the scale to meet that kind of challenge.
BearCom, America’s only nationwide dealer of two-way radios, frequently is called upon to supply radios to some of the largest and highest-profile events in the country. They include:
This weekend (and next), hundreds of BearCom rental radios will be in use at Southern California’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Radiohead, and the Black Keys are among the 120-plus artists at the annual event, which takes place in the desert town of Indio, California.
Three radios stand out for customers looking to rent equipment:
The largest events in the country are turning to BearCom not only because of our ability to provide high-quality equipment and great service. They talk about how we handle everything for them, as well as the value they get for the dollars they spend.
]]>Protecting the $182 million structure is an around-the-clock undertaking, so it’s not surprising the Dallas Police Department uses wireless video surveillance technology from BearCom. The Hill Bridge has three cameras looking down on the span and two more underneath it, all monitored by the DPD, whose concerns range from graffiti and other vandalism to public safety and terrorism.
Video surveillance has long been an essential element in fighting crime in public places and protecting businesses and educational institutions. Now that Internet protocol (IP) cameras are replacing closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, the benefits are even clearer. Cameras are a deterrent to criminal activity when they are visible to lawbreakers, and they raise the potential of capture to the point it outweighs the benefits of the crime. Camera footage can be used to identify suspects and to convict them at trial.
In educational settings, video surveillance helps give peace of mind to students and staffers alike. Vandalism and theft are reduced, especially in places that are difficult to monitor. Some say it even improves student behavior.
For businesses, video surveillance helps improve workplace security and employee productivity. Asset losses from theft, waste, and shoplifting are reduced. Video footage also is helpful in reviewing situations related to customer complaints, in validating complaints, and taking corrective action with involved employees. Similarly, video footage can be used in the evaluation of injury and harassment claims coming from employees and others.
Video surveillance is not only highly scalable, but it can also be installed affordably at temporary venues like concerts, festivals, and other events. And visible video surveillance systems send the message that a business is serious about security and wants to protect everyone involved.
Analog closed-circuit television technology may have led the way, but now video surveillance is all about digital IP cameras, which capture and send video footage over an IP network. This allows users to view, record, store, and manage images locally or remotely. Cameras can be placed virtually anywhere there’s an IP network connection, so if necessary, they can be moved. Other benefits include easier, less-expensive installation, higher image quality, more automation, video analytics, and greater cost effectiveness.
From intersections in Denver to the Atlantic City Boardwalk, video surveillance is being used to help solve problems. But with its effectiveness clearly demonstrated, video surveillance is more often employed right from the start, just as it was at the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.
]]>Apps aren’t just for smartphones—they also help users of digital two-way radios communicate from more places, manage organizational resources, and improve security. All that adds up to increased efficiency and lower costs.
Let’s take a closer look at five of my favorite two-way radio apps available from BearCom, most of which are designed especially for the MOTOTRBO line of digital radios from Motorola.
iTalkie
iTalkie from TABLETmedia is a quality text, voice, and location solution that is easily deployable, maintainable, and cost effective. It offers push-to-talk with presence-driven, phone-like calling and texting. It’s easily expandable because components can be dropped into the network without reprogramming the devices. Voice calls can be dispatched not just to two-way radios, but to handheld devices and personal computers as well. Employees can use their PCs to talk and send messages to others on their radios and handhelds. With iTalkie, users of radios and computers can finally communicate!
eztracker@trbo
eztracker@trbo is a single-position application for continuous monitoring of a fleet using Google Maps. Radio users can be contacted by text message or voice call. It runs on any personal computer with Internet access tethered by a USB programming cable to a MOTOTRBO radio used as a control station. This TABLETmedia application lets dispatchers see the positions of vehicles and re-route them around traffic. Text messages can be sent to individuals and groups. All of that makes it popular with operators of trucks, taxicabs, and buses. Easy to install and operate, eztracker@trbo requires minimal training.
phone@trbo
The phone@trbo system from TABLETmedia allows radios to connect to office phone systems, so that incoming calls are routed to radios. phone@trbo can be configured to route a call to a group or individual radio or to send it to a voice response system where the user can dial a specific radio or group. The phone@trbo system includes the iTalkie/RG radio gateway software, which allows expansion to all the features of the iTalkie solution.
SafeDispatch
SafeDispatch by SafeMobile makes desktop dispatching easier than ever with new features and a live mapping interface. Designed for MOTOTRBO, SafeDispatch lets users improve field communication, access critical fleet information, and enhance reporting. The application includes suites for voice dispatch, text messaging, e-mail, GPS, and telemetry. There’s an enhanced reporting suite for comprehensive data interpretation and a management module that provides easy management of user access privileges and subscriber accounts. The suites can be deployed one at a time or mixed and matched to create a custom solution.
SafeNet
SafeNet, also from SafeMobile, not only allows the tracking of personnel and mobile assets in the field, but it also gives users access to their radio solution from anywhere there is an Internet connection. Suites include GPS monitoring for speed and heading information, historical data and alarms, text messaging between dispatchers and any radio or group, and comprehensive data reporting.
That’s my top five. Have you got a favorite two-way radio app? Tell us about it!
]]>When social media came along, BearCom was at the forefront in our industry. And today, we announced an expansion of those efforts. We’re officially launching our YouTube channel, Facebook page, and LinkedIn profile, and we’re integrating those vehicles into our existing communications strategy.
On our YouTube channel, “BearComTV,” users can find instructional videos from our partners at Motorola Solutions, our just-released video on the FCC narrowbanding mandate, and several animated adventures featuring a certain superhero.
Our Facebook page and LinkedIn profile also are getting new content. On Facebook, viewers will find photographs highlighting business applications for two-way radios and other wireless equipment. The BearCom LinkedIn profile features product information and company news, as well as details about career opportunities.
As the virtual Chief Technology Officer for BearCom, I’ve been helping out for several years on Twitter at @WirelessWoman. More than 5,000 people follow me there, and 1,000 more follow the @BearCom Twitter account. BearCom and I also are behind a Twitter innovation, #WirelessWednesday, a popular weekly effort begun in 2009 that brings together users working in the wireless industry. Finally, our blog (which you’re currently reading) has been active for nearly a year and features my weekly updates on BearCom, its partners, and the wireless industry.
Many of our social media efforts mirror those of our partner, Motorola Solutions. Motorola offers blog posts on two-way communication, enterprise mobility, public safety, wireless insights, wireless LANs, wireless security, and the future of wireless technologies. Its Twitter feeds include not only those of key executives, such as Chairman & CEO Greg Brown and Chief Marketing Officer Eduardo Conrado, but customer-specific feeds on retailing, education, and public safety as well. The company LinkedIn profile has more than 10,000 followers and is especially useful for updates on career opportunities and new employees worldwide.
“Our experiences with social media have been incredibly positive,” said my colleague, Kent Huffman, the Chief Marketing Officer at BearCom. “We look forward to expanding our reach and continuing to innovate, all with the goal of letting more people know about BearCom and everything we have to offer.”
So, check us out on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. And keep those conversations going here and on Twitter!
]]>These square-shaped barcodes—first introduced almost two decades ago in the automotive industry to track vehicles during the manufacturing process—have become popular the world over because of their fast readability and large storage capacity. Today, consumers can wave a smartphone or tablet over a QR code and retrieve contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a website in the via the device’s browser. But don’t take my word for it. Thumb through the pages of the latest edition of the magazine that BearCom publishes, Today’s Wireless World, and you’ll see QR codes sprinkled about. Using your QR code app, wave your phone over them, one by one, and see what happens.
We believe strongly that our customers will see something else if they start embracing the use of such codes in the future—enhanced productivity and cost savings. There are lots of examples of this, such as the South Korean grocer that built “virtual malls” in subway stations, where commuters could order groceries for home delivery with their smartphones by taking pictures of QR codes.
One market research firm recently revealed that 14 million people in the United States, or 6.2 percent of the total U.S. mobile audience, used a QR code in June 2011. Experts see this number rising. Kaysha Kalkofen, Co-Owner of tSunela, a digital marketing agency, told CRN Magazine that she expects “a big influx of QR codes as businesses get more creative about using them.”
Examples of this creativity abound. Betfair, the online sports betting provider in the U.K., made a splash last summer when it contracted with two British beach volleyball hopefuls to place QR codes on their bikini bottoms. When the codes were photographed by a smartphone, the user was directed to a registration page to join Betfair, offering consumers a free bet. Andy Lulham, Betfair’s head of PR, said he believes it was “the first time QR codes have been used for in-play sports advertising. And what better way to test its effectiveness than by putting them on one of the places that is likely to get photographed the most?”
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