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Crowded Frequencies and the Challenge of Rebanding

By: Glow Networks

As advancements in the telecommunications industry continue to evolve, one issue that is likely to catch your attention is the concept of wireless rebanding. To acquire an appreciation of the significance of wireless rebanding, you must begin at the beginning to figure out what it’s all about.

So why don’t we do just that? Well, here’s the story. As the name suggests, rebanding is connected with switching frequencies on wireless phones, which is expected to improve the quality of service that you can expect. Various firms in the United States have been directed by the Federal Communications Commission to rearrange their radio frequencies, in order to reduce the scope for disturbance.

This change will apply to companies such as Nextel, SouthernLINC Wireless, companies manufacturing two-way radios as well as public agencies that utilize the 800 MHz frequency. This is because the 800 MHz frequency has become far too crowded. Perhaps you’d get the picture by likening it to vehicular traffic during the rush hour!

The general idea is to reduce the likelihood of disturbance between public safety communications networks and commercial wireless systems both of which have been making use of the 800 MHz band. So if you have a SouthernLINC or Nextel Wireless phone and do not change your frequency, there is every possibility that you may not remain connected to the company’s network in the course of and following the rebanding operation. You could say the new frequency would be the wireless equivalent of an address for redirection.

Well, once you have been informed that the rebanding process is essential, you must be aware of what you need to do and how you will be affected. Basically, once you’ve had your phone checked by a qualified representative, you’ll have to upgrade your software to include the frequencies you require. Alternatively, you could acquire a new model of phone that accommodates the relevant frequencies. You could seek guidance on how to proceed from the dealer/representative you are consulting.

If you choose to upgrade your software, you can find out from your representative how to receive the new software. If, on the other hand, you decide to acquire a new phone, you will not be disappointed as the new models will be equipped with the necessary software. In addition, you will have a number of other features at your disposal with the new phone.

To make the best possible choice, you should refer to a phone rebanding chart to ultimately determine what your best course of action should be. However, even with all these choices, it’s only natural for you to have several questions about the whole business of rebanding and what exactly is involved in the process. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the answers:

Why is this wireless rebanding business so urgently required?

Well, you should know that the whole business of rebanding for users of public safety systems with radio systems utilizing frequencies within the 800 MHz band must be completed within a period of 36 months.

Are the radio license holders aware of this development?

Yes, they are. They are also making plans for the proposed change of frequency and you can expect to hear from them regarding the progress they have made. In fact, they may even require assistance from you and various influential people to make it possible for them to meet their deadlines.

They have quite a job on their hands when you come to think about it. Some of the systems will have to begin changing frequencies almost immediately. These will have to complete the process within the space of 20 months. In all cases, they must start within 30 months and finish within 36 months. This is the most rigorous schedule of frequency change ever undertaken. It is also expected that there may be a number of difficulties, which will have to be circumvented in the process.

Can this be delayed?

Absolutely not - if your public safety radio system uses the 800 MHz band. Although this change will not be required everywhere, it will be applicable in at least half of all cases. The FCC has been reviewing the situation within the radio industry for about 3 years before deciding to take action. The ultimate conclusion was that changing frequencies would solve the problem once and for all.

Violation of the FCC order would attract fines or suspension of radio licenses. Apart from anything else, offenders will find that after 3 years, their systems will be incompatible with others using the new frequencies.

Will my public safety networks go off the air at any time?

This is an issue causing considerable concern to all the parties involved. However, you need not worry, as temporary arrangements will be put in place to avoid inconvenience. Of course, this will not be easy, but it can still be done.

Who is going to cover the cost of all these changes?

Most will be covered by Nextel, with public safety agencies providing the necessary estimates. Nextel has been required to furnish a guarantee of $ 2.5 billion, and it is expected that this will be the outside limit of expenditure. In addition, Nextel has been asked for an assurance that the company will take care of any expenditure in excess of this amount.

Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com

One company that has had a considerable impact on developments in wireless and wireline network deployments is Glow Networks (www.glownetworks.com). Glow Networks is working with major wireless equipment vendors to help in the rebanding effort. The company was founded by Dr. Jay Srinivasan and has specialized in this field. Glow Networks, which is headquartered in Richardson, Texas, has a presence in India as well as other countries in the Far East.

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