Front-Line US is a modular communications system. You add the elements you need as your needs and budget allow to provide a totally integrated communications that efficiently addresses both daily operational needs while simultaneously incorporating the special requirements of a disaster situation.
Rather than trying to sell a particular technology, we have reviewed the real world of public safety communications and developed an integrated plan based on the best utilization of existing resources while simultaneously addressing future need. As good as 800 MHz trunking may be (or is claimed to be), the fact is that there are only a handful of systems in use, operated by larger agencies who can afford the high infrastructure cost. The fact that 800 MHz provides no capability for paging or interagency coordination, seems to escape the reasoning of many system planners.
Others are promoting proprietary digital technology that locks the user to a specific manufacturer while others are touting the alleged open standard APCO Project 25 digital technology. While the technology may be good (although a bit pricey), the fact is that it is NOT a standard and provides virtually no interoperability capability. We do not know of a single operational system in the entire state of Alabama as of mid July 2003.
Then, there are those who promote mobile data systems that require their own infrastructure and radio modems at thirty-five hundred dollars per mobile and this doesnt include the infrastructure cost or even the cost of the mobile data terminal!
Even the wireless carriers are getting into the act. At the same time some cities are abandoning this technology, others are jumping on with monthly service charges averaging close to one-hundred dollars monthly per mobile!
Several agencies around the USA have jumped on the 802.11 or Wi-Fi bandwagon even though this consumer based technology has no security, no ability to be used in a mobile enviornment, and shares the airwaves with everything from networked home PCs to cordless phones! Wi-Fi has its place, but the real capabilities should be carefully reviewed before accepting all the sales claims.
The fact is that VHF and UHF technology offers the best overall value for basic radio communications. When coupled with some of the carrier based services (mobile data being a prime example), and the new broadband microwave services; it is not possible to enjoy the benefits of modern technology at reasonable cost. Thats what Front-Line US is all about!
We are not condeming other types of technology. To the contrary, we are usually the first to experiment with new innovations. When there is a fit between customer needs and expectations matched with the capabilities of the technology, we are generally the first to make an introduction. At the same time, we feel it is only fair to offer reasonable alternatives. Having said that, lets return to our main topic, Front-Line US!
Your basic radio system should have the capability to do two things. First to efficiently communicate with field personnel and second, to communicate with other agencies. If everyone around you is VHF, you should be VHF. You dont have to dumb down your system to the lowest common denominator, but you do need to maintain compatibility. If other users in your area are operating on UHF or 800 MHz, you should have the ability to communicate with them when required.
In the information that follows, we will provide an overview of each element of the Front-Line US system beginning with improvements for the basic communications system.
