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Broadband & Mobile Featured Article
August 07, 2007
AT&T Provides 3G Mobile Broadband to Raleigh Police
By Anuradha Shukla TMCnet Contributing Editor
The Raleigh Police Department is using AT&T's (News - Alert) third-generation (3G
) wireless broadband solution, called BroadbandConnect.
) wireless broadband solution, called BroadbandConnect.
The solution is being used to deliver mission-critical information to officers across a network that includes more than 500 patrol cars, and support hand-held devices for officers on bicycles and horseback.
Raleigh Police Department officers can access AT&T's BroadbandConnect network throughout the city, even while driving. BroadbandConnect provides them with access to photography and databases that are not available on their two-way radio systems.
Lawrence Cullipher, IT manager, Raleigh Police Department explains that officers require access to databases of mug shots, arrest warrants and DMV records on the spot.
Cullipher emphasizes that reliable access to data boosts productivity, leads to better decisions and keeps their officers safe while they are protecting the community.
The AT&T solution reportedly includes Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) AC875 LaptopConnect cards for each vehicle and NetMotion Wireless' Mobility XE. NetMotion’s XE is a mobile Virtual Private Network that provides secure, encrypted access to law enforcement databases and maintains persistent connections to the Raleigh systems even while traveling across diverse networks. The laptopConnect cards can fit directly into the officers' onboard laptops, which connect to mission-critical information by using the AT&T BroadbandConnect network.
that provides secure, encrypted access to law enforcement databases and maintains persistent connections to the Raleigh systems even while traveling across diverse networks. The laptopConnect cards can fit directly into the officers' onboard laptops, which connect to mission-critical information by using the AT&T BroadbandConnect network.Based on the global GSM standard, the BroadbandConnect network uses High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) to provide mobile data connectivity at average download speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps allowing users to download a 1.0MB file in about 15 seconds, on average.
standard, the BroadbandConnect network uses High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) to provide mobile data connectivity at average download speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps allowing users to download a 1.0MB file in about 15 seconds, on average.Raleigh wanted an efficient process to add new units to its fleet or to modify features of existing units. The department chose AT&T's Premier Enterprise Portal that provides a custom, secure Web site to add new lines of service and to perform upgrades, migrations, phone number transfers and accessory-only purchases. Additionally, the service tracks orders online with real-time shipping status. Moreover, the Department can also use this portal to submit trouble tickets that are forwarded to AT&T's 24/7 technical support desk.
Through AT&T's BroadbandConnect network, officers can perform many office functions in the vehicle. Officers can type and send memos from their onboard computer before leaving the scene instead of writing notes by hand and traveling back to the station to type up reports following incidents in the field.
“Government organizations, particularly public safety officials, require a secure, reliable network provider that can confidently extend communications capabilities beyond traditional two-way radio boundaries,” said Chris Hill, vice president - Government Solutions Group of AT&T's wireless unit in a statement.
“AT&T has the largest wireless data network in the U.S., and its solutions allow agencies to extend administrative and support capabilities deeper into the field,” added Hill.
Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering call centers, CRM and information technology. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page
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