PUBLIC SAFETY FREQUENCIES
The public safety spectrum serves the mission-critical communications needs of First Responders charged with the protection of life and property, such as police, fire fighters and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers.
Public safety spectrum also serves the public safety-related telecommunications needs of state and local governments generally. Public safety channels are available in the VHF band, 220 MHz band, UHF, T-Band (licensing freeze in effect), 700 MHz narrowband, 700 MHz broadband, 800 MHz band, 4.9 GHz, and 5.9 GHz bands.
PLAIN ENGLISH: The frequencies used by POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE, EMS / FIRST RESPONDERS two-way Radios
BUILDING CODES
The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) shall determine the minimum radio signal strength for fire department communications in all new high-rise and existing high-rise buildings. Existing buildings are not required to comply with minimum radio strength for fire department communications and twoway radio system enhancement communications as required by the Florida Fire Prevention Code until January 1, 2022. However, by Deccember 31, 2019, an existing building that is not in compliance with the requirements for minimum radio strength for fire department communications must apply for an appropriate permit for the required installation with the local government agency having jurisdiction and must demonstrate that the building will become compliant by January 1, 2022.
PLAIN ENGLISH:
#1 ALL buildings must be tested for public safety (police / fire, etc.) minimum signal levels by the end of 2019.
#2 If the building meets the signal levels ---- NO ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED.
#3 If the signal levels do NOT meet the requirements, some type of enhancement system will be required to amplify the signal by the end of 2021.
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Q?
Do you have nationwide coverage?
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Yes! At Berk-Tel, we maintain a nationwide network of professional service providers to meet your business needs wherever they may be. Whether you are opening a new branch office, supporting national sales reps, or maintaining a remote shipping and distribution center - we've got you covered. Read more about our coverage by clicking here.
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How do we get started?
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Please Contact Us and we will get the ball rolling on your next communications project!
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What is “ICE” (and DAS)?
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“ICE” is an acronym for Interior Cellular Enhancement and DAS is an acronym for distributed antenna system. An “ICE” system is a group of small antennas working together to send amplified cellular signals to improve coverage and reliability in areas where traditional cell towers have trouble reaching users. This type of system is perfect for any single building, large facility, or multi-unit campus. Whereas, a cell tower antenna broadcasts over a large geographic area providing sizeable coverage to a multitude of users, each antenna in the “ICE” system serves as a “mini” cell tower sending enhanced signal strength and bandwidth over a smaller interior area.
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Why Should Property Owners Install an “ICE” System?
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There are a number of reasons to have an “ICE” system installed in your building, facility or throughout your campus. Among other things, (1) having “ICE” improves the marketability of the property by increasing connectivity, (2) in-building wireless coverage is historically difficult and getting worse with LEED certified buildings as well as faster 4G and LTE signals, and (3) “ICE” improves the safety of the building’s occupants by enhancing the ability to reliably use emergency services like 911 for police and fire.
Click here to download our free Whitepaper "Why install 'ICE'?"
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Does Berk-Tel do cabling as well as system design?
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Yes! Berk-Tel is a full service communications system provider. We will work with you to identify requirements, design and propose solutions, and then execute the plan with our nationwide network of expert installers. We work with all major data, cellular, and voice equipment and providers and provide full service cabling and installation services.