Source: Telephony Magazine November 4, 1996 Issue
Clearing the PCS spectrum of private microwave systems has always been looked at as one of the thorny issues associated with getting into the PCS business. Negotiating deals to relocate these systems has been a bit problematic for some, and industry watchers have warned that this could adversely affect carriers network buildout plans.
A number of vendor products and approaches have emerged to help carriers tackle the microwave issue, and one in particular seems to have scored with two of the earliest commercial PCS providers.
Radio Dynamics Corp., based in Silver Spring MD, has developed Poseidon, a comprehensive engineering software package for identifying and resolving conflicts between planned PCS installations and incumbent microwave paths. By accurately identifying conflicts and automatically creating alternate frequency plans, the software can save operators millions of dollars in unnecessary relocation expenses.
So far, Poseidon has been put to the test in five of the first six commercial PCS networks: Western Wireless' Hawaii, Salt Lake City and Albuquerque, NM, markets and BellSouth Mobility DCS' networks in North and South Carolina and eastern Tennessee. In addition to these providers, GTE Mobilnet, SouthwesternBell Mobile Systems, Omnipoint, Ameritech, NextWave and several consultancies are using the product.
Poseidon defines blockage and relocation schemes for each PCS frequency path, displays the relative position and terrain cross sections, and offers color maps of system data while making it available in complete ASCII export files that interface with common database applications.
"Our customers recognize that Poseidon expedites operations through its Electronic Prior Coordination Notices Generator and automatic test drive frequency locator," said Kathleen Dodd, general manager at Radio Dynamics. "These features save time and money when planning and deploying PCS, helping them get to market faster."
The software also supports all emerging PCS technology standards.
"Full compliance with industry standards and detailed technical reports remove any uncertainty from negotiations and technical discussions with microwave incumbents. This information can dramatically reduce relocation expenses for PCS operators," said Thu Nguyen, Radio Dynamics president.
The software also offers a Web user interface that allows carriers to extend throughout their own LAN or place it on the Internet.
Reprinted with permission of PCS Edge, a supplement to Telephony. November 4, 1996 Issue.