“Public Safety Communications: Interoperability” Technologies and Markets Assessment

This report addresses the Public Safety Communications (PSC) interoperability process and discusses interoperability issues, which affect the first responders’ ability to function. The report analyzes PSC interoperability methods and emphasizes two of them as the most effective: 1. Standard LMR - Project 25 and TETRA 2. Software Defined Radio. The analysis of the phased development for P25 and TETRA radios was performed, including these technologies particulars and market dynamics as well as their role in establishing PSC interoperability. These two standards for digital LMR are now prevailing; and the majority of equipment produced by the industry for first responders’ communications utilizes these standards. The report also emphasizes slow standardization and problems with these radios deployments. Software Defined Radio (SDR) is gaining popularity in the commercial applications, though military applications are still consuming the substantial market segment. SDR (as well as other software reconfigurable radios) allows reaching a very high level of interoperability between radios built on different standards and/or utilizing different spectrum and modulation methods. Though some technical issues as well as pricing are still two factors that slow SDR commercialization, the analysis presented in this report shows that the SDR industry is gaining momentum. Almost all major LMR vendors included SDR products in their portfolios; some PSC vendors are building multi-band devices; and prognoses on the SDR market are encouraging. The report analyzes SDR standardization, regulatory issues, as well as applications and markets. The detailed survey of P25, TETRA and SDR vendors, presented in this report, reflects their up-to-date portfolios characteristics. The report is written for a wide audience of technical, marketing and managerial staff involved in the PSC development.

Additional Information

Research Methodology

Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web sites was studied and analyzed; evaluation of publicly available marketing and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives. In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.

The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the information content.

Target Audience

This report is intended for organizations involved in the development of advanced digital communications networks. Engineers, management and sales departments will find in this report useful information that can be applied to their work. Report also addresses the needs of managers and technical staff of various public safety organizations.

For vendors, this report also provides valuable information on technologies and competition. It also supports these vendors with the IR market assessment