All other arguments aside, the scanners release is imminant from what UPM has said, and it should work fine TODAY. Should they hold it up until it no longer works? :shock:
Besides, there are scanner users who use scanners for Conventional, LTR, and EDACS, and those modes aren't affected by rebanding (short of reprogramming the frequencies used), so why should those people be punished?
700 MHz exists today (unlike rebanding), yet it is not supported in scanners released earlier this year. Yet, we are talking about a change that is a year away. Why isn't everyone complaining about 700 MHz that is here now, and why the PRO-2096 doesn't support it? The BCD396T MAY be the first scanner to support it.
Last, back on rebanding, nobody knows for absolute certain the bandplan that is going to be used, so WHAT would you have them include in the scanners? A GUESSED bandplan?
As Paul mentioned, what if the new systems 'go iDen'? OK, he used TETRA and ProVoice as examples. Same difference for our purposes. Nothing will work on them. That is so small a chance as to be hardly worth mentioning, but it's not impossible - especially with NexTel involved in the mix. Maybe the 'new radios' they buy the PS entities will be current iDen units.
I'm sure there will be many people who won't be afraid to buy a BCD396T based only on its other features. Besides, the firmware is flashable. That means if anything is possible, it will most likely be possible on a BCD396T.
I wish the BC780XLT units were supported, yet I just BOUGHT one for MilAir. That's right - regardless of its trunking performance. There is a specific task it has the reputation of doing better than any other unit, and that's why I purchased it. Yes, I could have waited and got one for likely a better price from a trunking user once rebanding hits, but all that would do is deprive me from a year of use. Some would say I bought an Edsel. It all depends on how you look at it.
As was said, if you want guaruntees a scanner will work after rebanding, wait to buy one after rebanding comes around - after the reports are in.
Joe M.