NPSTC Releases Position Paper on Non-P25 Digital Technology
Bruce Marcus: If I had the choice and bandwidth, TETRA is the best protocol for public safety, having four slots per channel and robust data
The National Public Safety Technology Council (NPSTC) released a position paper stating its support of Project 25 (P25) to enhance interoperability among public-safety agencies. NPSTC also said it will not support federal grant funding being eligible to purchase incompatible technologies.
“NPSTC strongly urges public safety and critical infrastructure agencies contemplating the purchase or use of LMR equipment to opt for P25 Phase 1 (12.5 kilohertz conventional FDMA) and/or analog modes for interoperability,” the statement said. “P25 Phase 1 radios automatically receive both analog and P25. No other technological solution ensures direct compatibility. While there are many other elements to consider in your quest to achieve a high level of interoperability, there can be no argument that compatible technology is paramount.”
Recently, some U.S. public safety and critical infrastructure agencies have opted for digital LMR technologies that are not compatible with P25. “Not only does this pose a virtually insurmountable technical hurdle for successful interoperability, it potentially negates billions of dollars' worth of investment in P25 LMR systems,” NPSTC said. “The use of incompatible equipment will create a barrier to achieving interoperability and therefore increase the risk to our first responders and the public they serve and protect.”
For a viewpoint on why non-P25 digital technology hurts interoperability efforts, click here.
For the opposing viewpoint on why non-P25 digital technologies don’t hurt interoperability efforts, click here.
