Motorola and Selex Complete DMR Interoperability Tests (5/18/10)
The Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Association announced the successful completion of the first DMR Interoperability test session, which took place in Milan, Italy April 27-28.
Testing of Selex Communications’ ECOS-D DMR simulcast network infrastructure and Motorola’s MOTOTRBO DMR terminals was carried out following the DMR Association’s interoperability process, which defines a list of interoperability tests, suitable test methodology, testing laboratory criteria and a test result verification process for both conventional and trunked modes of operation.
Tests performed include voice calls (individual, group, broadcast and emergency calls), call alerts, radio check, remote monitoring, emergency alarm, and radio enable and disable. “This is an important milestone for the DMR Association,” said Mario Micheli, DMR Association chair. “Members of our technical working group have worked hard for this achievement, and we are delivering on our mission of making DMR a truly open, multivendor technology.”
DMR is a globally available open digital radio standard for mobile radio users developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
“The successful completion of the first interoperability test opens the door to all DMR manufacturers that seek interoperability certification of their products,” said Tom Mockridge, technical working group chair. “We expect to announce future interoperability test sessions soon.”
DHS Releases $48M for Interoperable Communications Grants, $790M Total (5/13/10)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the fiscal year (FY) 2010 preparedness grants for nine federal programs - including critical infrastructure-related grants - totaling nearly $790 million. The grants include $48 million for interoperable communications and nearly $58 million for emergency operations centers (EOCs).
"These grants play a major role in our efforts to work with our state, local, tribal and territorial and private sector partners to build a national culture of readiness and resilience," Secretary Napolitano said. "We continue to focus on maximizing efficiency and value while prioritizing risk in awarding grants to strengthen our nation's security."
Awards will be made on a rolling basis during the summer. The FY 2010 grants announced include:
• Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) - $253.4 million to protect critical transit infrastructure in addition to $150 million in transit security grants provided by the Recovery Act, totaling $403.4 million.
• Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) - $11.5 million to assist operators of fixed-route intercity and charter bus services to support security plans, facility security upgrades and vehicle and driver protection.
• Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) - $288 million to protect critical port infrastructure in addition to $150 million in port security grants provided by the Recovery Act, totaling $438 million.
• Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) - $48 million to increase preparedness capabilities of jurisdictions responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure sites and key resource assets, such as chemical facilities and nuclear power plants.
• EOC Grant Program - $57.6 million to support the construction or renovation of EOCs.
• Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) - $48 million to assist governments in carrying out initiatives identified in statewide communications interoperability plans (SCIPs) and improve interoperable emergency communications used to respond to natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
• Driver's License Security Grant Program (DLSGP) - $48 million to help states and territories improve security of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.