October 14, 2005

Aloha Partners and Lucent Technologies showcased a new third-generation high-speed data network at 700 MHz aimed to benefit the Phoenix Fire Department and the Bureau for Homeland Defense.

The public-safety demonstration is set to take place in early 2006 in Phoenix using Aloha Partner's 700 MHz spectrum and Lucent's 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO equipment.

Aloha Partners said it is the largest owner of 700 MHz spectrum in the United States. Aloha said it plans to demonstrate how the technology will enable first responders access to high-quality, high-speed mobile data services at speeds of up to 2.4 megabits per second.

"I am pleased that the Phoenix Fire Department and Homeland Defense Bureau will be able to participate in this pilot program," said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

"A successful public-safety pilot program deployed in the 700 MHz band will only reinforce the urgency for the TV broadcasters to vacate this spectrum as soon as possible.

To be effective in the field, first responders nationwide need to have access to advanced technologies that include mobile data and video streaming and that cannot happen as long as the broadcasters continue to use this spectrum band."

Lucent said it will supply its Flexant CDMA2000 base stations its Flexant mobility servers to provide an open IP interface to the Aloha Partners data network.

Source: RCR News