Nextel and Zetron Launch Radio Console Interoperability

[ShawnCowden]

I just wanted to pass this along to get others take on it. I posted it as news topic also!! Id like to hear some feedback please thanks.
Thanks



New Solution Integrates with Nextel's Nationwide Direct Connect(SM) Walkie-Talkie Service


REDMOND, Wash. & RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 2004-- Nextel Communications Inc. (NSDQ:NXTL) and Zetron, Inc. today announced a new way for private radio users to communicate with Nextel users by using the Zetron Series 4000 radio dispatch console. The new capability makes Zetron the first radio dispatch system to support Nextel's Nationwide Direct Connect(SM) long-range digital walkie-talkie service and now provides dispatchers on private radio networks based on P25, EDACS®, LTR(TM), MPT1327, or conventional radio, full interoperability with Nextel customers through the Direct Connect® and Group Connect(SM) walkie-talkie service capabilities of their Nextel® phones.
This new capability allows dispatchers to dynamically integrate talk groups between private radio systems and Nextel users for as long as necessary. For example, during an emergency, a law enforcement dispatcher can connect a law enforcement official who is using a Nextel wireless phone with Direct Connect to the law enforcement channel of a private radio system, regardless of the location of the individual law enforcement official. Nextel's Nationwide Direct Connect feature allows instant communication from coast-to-coast of the United States, and to and from Hawaii.

Many current Series 4000 users, including public safety, private security and utilities workers, will be able to upgrade their existing consoles to incorporate this new capability (depending on configuration and date of manufacture). For more information on the Series 4000 radio console and the location of your nearest authorized Zetron reseller, contact 425-820-6363.

For more than 20 years, Zetron, Inc. has specialized in mission-critical communications. In addition to its custom systems solutions, Zetron manufactures a wide spectrum of wireless communications equipment including radio dispatch consoles and workstations, emergency call-taking telephone systems, paging infrastructure, trunked radio equipment, wireless SCADA, alarming & telemetry products and much more.

About Nextel

Nextel Communications, a FORTUNE 200 company based in Reston, Va., is a leading provider of fully integrated wireless communications services and has built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the country covering thousands of communities across the United States. Today 95 percent of FORTUNE 500® companies are Nextel customers. Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc. currently serve 297 of the top 300 U.S. markets where approximately 259 million people live or work.

 

[Thayne]

I think it is just another step forward towards better interoperability, with the caveat that nexthells aren't very reliable communications as compared to well designed public safety systems.

Also, IMHO, if nexthells system is heavily loaded because of some "Emergency situation" then the reliability will go down further. You see this now even when some cell systems are overloaded about 5PM because people are calling each other about whats' for dinner


I have noticed that there is a lot of patching systems and groups going on around here, such as between APCO 25 and EDACS systems in close geographic areas.

I think it puts a lot of pressure on dispatchers & system administrators to stay on top of problems when patching groups, etc; (Because they don't do it enough to refine the procedures) then when the intrinsic delay of nexthell is added to the mix, the people in the field may think WTF is going on?? 8)

 

[INDY72]

Also to think about- In an area using 800 MHz TRS... if they are having troubles communicating with others, what makes anyone think that using Nexthell which is also 800 MHz will be any better?????? This is just another attempt by Nexthell to get in on the Public Safety game. They have to pay to move all the PS TRS to certian areas, give up spectrum, and get new spectrum.. because they hurt public safety,.... Sooo bingo we invent a way to seem like "we be da good guys".... Maybe if Nexthell had been smart in the beginning instead of just greedy, things would be better for them.