Special Edition: Communicating about Interoperability

RAMBIS project redesigned

The Regional Area Multi Band Integrated System (RAMBIS) project has been modified from the original RFP specifications. Motorola's response to that RFP exceeded available funding by more than $4 million dollars. The Public Safety Communications Board and MARC Board of Directors, recognizing the financial challenges of system implementation and maintenance, have endorsed the new RAMBIS design.

The redesigned system comprises three 800 MHz, UHF and VHF channels, with the capacity to expand when more funding becomes available. The system's microwave backbone will start a capacity of 16 T1 lines and be expandable to OC3 (the equivalent of 84 T1 lines).

A new public safety communications tower in Harrisonville, Mo., planned to improve coverage in Cass County, has been moved to Phase II of the project. The tower is seen as a vital part of the complete system and will be the highest priority when additional funding is secured.

Various funding options are under consideration to manage recurring costs, including the transition of responsibility for 9-1-1 and RAMBIS maintenance to MARC staff.

Over the next several months, there is significant work to be done such as securing frequencies, negotiating second-tier maintenance contracts, securing tower use agreements and managing tower strengthening activities. The RAMBIS system, although challenging and complex in its implementation, will be a significant step toward achieving interoperable communications for public safety agencies in the MARC region.

Public Safety Communications Board approves TIC Plan

In September, the Public Safety Communications Board unanimously approved the Regional Tactical Interoperability Communications Plan (TIC) as recommended by the Regional Interoperability Committee and the Public Safety Users Committee.

The U.S. Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) requires each Urban Area Working Group to complete a TIC, and will provide operational direction and technical data for the use of regional interoperable communication mechanisms.

MARC Public Safety staff and the Regional Interoperability Committee are currently working on a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will be a part of the plan. Once agencies sign the MOU agreeing to the contents of the TIC Plan, additional data can be collected regarding specific radio systems. Also, this data can be used by agencies that deploy interoperable mechanisms, such as gateways and mobile communications trailers. The TIC Plan will require modifications as more agencies sign MOUs and as regional interoperable communications capabilities are enhanced.

800 MHz Rebanding Update

The 800 MHz rebanding project continues to be challenging on both the national and local levels. MARC staff is in the process of preliminary planning for agencies to review their new frequency information and will schedule a "kick-off" meeting soon. MARC is still awaiting clarification from Sprint Nextel and the transition administrator on information submitted with the initial regional planning proposal last February.

Representatives from MARC will be meeting with the transition administrator, Sprint Nextel and members of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington D.C. on October 31 to discuss this project.

Narrow Banding Deadline

For Public Safety Radio Pool licensees operating in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established a January 1, 2013, deadline for mandatory migration to 12.5 kHz technology. For most public safety users operating in these bands, this means that all older communications equipment must be replaced with the new technology.

The narrow band technology achieves the equivalent of two channels within the amount of spectum currently being used for each channel of voice communications. Most manufacturers are preparing to provide public safety radio equipment well in advance of the deadline, and agencies should start financial and transition planning immediately. For more information, see the FCC order about this topic or contact Kevin Whittaker at 816-701-8323.