The following are some FAQs related to the LMR and PSBN industry:
What does "LMR" mean?
LMR is an acronym meaning "Land Mobile Radio". It's basically two-way or "walkie-talkie" voice communications - but it's also so much more than that. The term encompasses the use of voice & data signalling over narrowband radio channels (eg. 6.25kHz or 12.5KHz or 25kHz) in designated spectrum set aside for Public Safety or commercial users.
It also encompasses various standards for digital and analog air interfaces (eg. Conventional, DMR, Project 25, TETRA) that each can provide various technical and feature advantages in how the radio spectrum is used (eg. secure encrypted voice & data).
Lastly, the term LMR also considers use of both voice & also low-speed data over these narrow band channels (where data speeds permit use for industrial SCADA control systems or for say text messaging between users and HQ).
At heart "LMR" is the underlying communications glue that makes so much of Public Safety operations possible today.
What does "PSBN" and "PS-LTE" mean?
The term PSBN stands for "Public Safety Broadband Network" and in turn PS-LTE means "Public Safety LTE" - where LTE stands for the "Long Term Evolution" standard for 3G / 4G and now 5G voice and data communications.
These terms are coming to the forefront of technology considerations for CIOs, managers and executive staff at Public Safety agencies across Canada and around the world, due to the generational investment in new data technologies for mobile policing, and in new telecom standards related to Next Generation 911 services. (NG911).
Indeed NG911 is the advent of a coming tsunami of data for first responders that helps drive the need for reliable PSBN / PS-LTE services. Think of the data load related to Body Worn Cameras securely streaming data to HQ in the midst of First Responder calls to service, and 911 calls now requiring reliable transmission of both voice & data to First Responders in the field.
PSBN / PS-LTE and the coming of NG911 will truly revolutionize the way all Public Safety agencies (Police, Fire and EMS) do business.
Why deploy PS-LTE Networks? Why not just use commercial telco carrier service for Public Safety?
The concept of survivable and secure data is critical for First Responders. Unfortunately, due to the fundamental way that telcos design wireless broadband data networks for centralized service geared to maximizing shareholder profit, public carrier networks have been shown time and again as unable to handle the needs of Public Safety users in times of crisis, and are faced with reliability and capacity issues during times of surge demand.
There are countless anecdotes of public carrier networks being swamped during disasters, terrorist attacks and moments of crisis -due to the fact that these networks are the same ones used by millions of civilians during those same crises. When a disaster strikes, telco carrier networks become overloaded and fail to provide reliable access to those people who need data access most during a crisis - namely First Responders and Public Safety users.
Unfortunately, no technology has effectively solved a key problem during moments of surge data load on wireless broadband networks - that of guaranteed access and guaranteed prioritization of data to First Responders. A means of overcoming access congestion and an ability to granularly prioritize access on carrier networks is required but doesn't exist.
PSBN and PS-LTE networks fix this problem - and provide bullet-proof secure access to data for agency staff during the critical moments that matter in emergencies. ISED Canada - the nation's regulatory agency that governs radio spectrum, has allocated 20MHz of RF spectrum in the 700MHz Bandclass 14 range dedicated and reserved for First Responders for precisely this reason.
Further, given Canada's recently re-confirmed status as among the most expensive jurisdictions on the planet in 2018 when it comes to broadband data rates - it is often the case that building survivable PSBN / PS-LTE networks can actually become a significant cost savings mechanism for Public Safety agencies.
All in all - private PS-LTE networks can help save lives and save cost for First Responder agencies, and given the data tsunami approaching with NG911 services and video, the PSBN concept and business model is becoming more important for government agencies to consider.
Does Black Castle Networks provide services across Canada?
Yes, we’ll work on consulting opportunities from coast to coast. Black Castle Networks is a Canadian incorporation, headquartered in the Hamilton, Ontario region, with engineering accreditation in the Province of Ontario.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Of course! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to answer your questions 24/7/365. Contact us to setup an appointment to discuss your Mission-Critical needs today!