MDT FREQUENCIES?

[brandonbv]

What are MDT frequencies and what are they used for? Can they be monitored?

 

[MacombMonitor]

"MDT" = Mobile Data Terminal

Using a 2, or 4 Level FSK interface, and some software, it used to be quite simple. However, after some idiots advertised this capability to the media, it gained immediate National attention. To the best of my knowledge it is now illegal to intercept, and decode MDT data streams. In addition to that, newer technology, and data encryption has likely made it impossible to do so.

 

[SCPD]

To the best of my knowledge it is now illegal to intercept, and decode MDT data streams.

Only in the state of Texas - has been since 1998.

There was a federal mandate requiring state and local law enforcement to secure access to criminal record. The then-existing mobile data formats did not comply and were replaced with more secure systems.

-rick

 

[W4KRR]

At one time, there were programs available that would allow you to use your PC to decode and read the contents of these transmissions. However, as Bill said, once they discovered that people were doing this, most MDT's today use encryption, or else a protocol that can't be decoded by the general public.

 

[loumaag]

To the best of my knowledge it is now illegal to intercept, and decode MDT data streams.

Only in the state of Texas -...

As much as I love the Republic ...err, State of Texas, I think that USC Title 18, Sec 2511 can be used elsewhere to make an argument that MDT transmissions are not construed as an "electronic communication (that) is readily accessible to the general public". Hence monitoring them would be illegal where ever the USC is applicable.

Not being an attorney, I cannot speak to the case law in this regard, but I think I will opt on the side of safety and not temp the US Attorney in any jurisdiction to look at this too hard.