Charles Hoffman; Robert J. Matheson; Fred Najmy; Robert C. Wilson

Abstract: This Phase 1 report contains a description of federal agencies with GMF assignments in the 162-174 MHz band, with emphasis on their LMR systems and their use in the Washington, D.C. area. It also describes many of the mobile radio technologies used by the agencies, and explains the SCAP algorithms used to convert the GMF data to SC maps. The overall objective of this portion of the study was to produce a data set and corresponding analysis as inputs to the Phase 2 work to design possible future federal mobile radio systems. Therefore, this initial report does not contain extensive recommendations or conclusions.

This Phase 1 study identifies a wide variety of functions that federal agencies perform in the 162-174 MHz band in the Washington, D.C. area. These functions include law enforcement, transportation, natural resources management, and emergency and disaster relief. There are a total of 4,761 frequency assignments identified from the GMF within 100 miles of Washington, D.C. Of the 4,761 assignments, 2,816 do not have a local infrastructure associated with them (i.e. area-wide assignments). Lacking any specific transmitter location, these 2,816 assignments were excluded from the analysis since the SC model considers only transmitters. In addition, all assignments for receivers (including receive-only sites) were also excluded from the SCAP analysis, as were numerous special-purpose transmitters whose functions would not reasonably be included in a future system. The Phase 1 study considered GMF assignments as of November 2002, which was when this study commenced. Any subsequent modified assignments related to the bureaus or agencies that have been incorporated into the DHS were not addressed, since the DHS was established after the start of this study.

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

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