Your Partner in Success

Thank you for visiting the GeoComm Web site.  There is more going on in public safety communications than at any other time in recent memory.  The flurry of activity that resulted from September 11, 2001 has not let up- although as an industry we have become better at managing the new "normal" and positioning public safety issues in the public spotlight.

To that end, GeoComm provides expert consulting services to all types of public safety agencies.  Our clients engage us for one of two primary reasons.  Either the agency lacks the technical expertise on-staff or lacks the time to be able to focus on a specific project.  Regardless of the reason, it is GeoComm's mission to provide unparalleled services at a reasonable cost.

In addition to generally increased activity,  there are a number of "hot issues" in the industry.  I thought it would be helpful to list the top three challenges being faced by agencies throughout the country.

Narrowbanding

In December 2004, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated that all private Land Mobile Radio (LMR) users operating below 512 MHz move to 12.5 kHz narrowband voice channels and highly efficient data channel operations by January 1, 2013.  The countdown clock on this page indicates just how little time remains to plan, budget, and execute a narrowbanding transition.

Wireless 9-1-1 Accuracy

After investment of significant public funds, many agencies have completed their implementation of wireless 9-1-1.  In almost all cases, the implementation included an acceptance test plan to validate the appropriate routing of wireless 9-1-1 calls.  There are so many variables in the wireless and 9-1-1 networks and so many system expansions occurring on a regular basis that on-going routing and location accuracy testing is crucial to ensure citizens are receiving a return on their investments.

Next Generation 9-1-1

The importance of accurate and well maintained GIS data cannot be overemphasized.  Before long- MSAGs will be a thing of the past and a community's GIS data will be the basis of all 9-1-1 call delivery.  If your agency has not already done so, it is crucial to begin developing GIS data for use in public safety.  Just as importantly, a long-term commitment to maintaining this data must be made.  Even in the smallest, most rural community - verification of data and ongoing updates are crucial to effective public safety services.

Our approach is to partner with you for successful completion of your public safety projects and to meet your goals.  Our experienced, expert staff will enjoy working for you.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to request additional information on how we can help you with the above listed items and more.

Greg Ballentine
Director of Consulting Services
gballentine@geo-comm.com
Past-President of APCO
Former Director of Public Safety, Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)