Georgia County Government - May/June 2008 - (Page 52)

WIRELESS continued from page 51 al network of nearly 150 Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) and Data Centers and approximately 23,000 cellular sites. This is designed to provide continuous service and to reduce the possibility of interrupted communications, especially during times of crisis. The use of battery and generator backup systems in critical locations also serves to minimize the risk of a disruption if commercial power is lost. Verizon Wireless also has the ability to dynamically reroute traffic over the network to address switch, microwave, interconnection problems or capacity issues. This provides additional flexibility and the ability to direct available bandwidth where responders need it the most. During the 2007 forest fires that ravaged southeastern Georgia, Verizon Wireless was called upon by state officials to serve as a vital communications link for first responders in the areas affected by the extreme drought and forest fire conditions. Verizon Wireless resources were the primary means of communication for the GEMA command center. GEMA requested two Cell on Wheels (COWs) from Verizon Wireless onsite to aid firefighting and emergency services personnel, including the Georgia Forestry Department. These mobile cell sites can process thousands of calls an hour, enabling more emergency response teams and residents to use their wireless phones concurrently. One COW was stationed in Jesup area, at the Jesus-Wayne Airport, and the other was stationed near the Okeefenokee swamp serving the Georgia Forestry Commission District Office. Both COWs were vital to GEMA’s emergency communications during the wildfires. Behind all of the bells, whistles, software and applications, however, the most important thing is that a network works when you most need it. One of the reasons government agencies rely on Verizon Wireless is because of the company’s use of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology developed specifically for the U.S. Military. CDMA networks utilize a trio of security protocols – authentication, data protection and anonymity – to provide users’ privacy. To date, CDMA has never been hacked, cracked or violated. And with an undying commitment to the network, Verizon Wireless offers the most reliable wireless solutions available today. In conclusion, Georgia emergency teams need to take advantage of the various wireless technologies available today, and keep abreast on what the future brings. There are technologies available now that need to be better utilized, practiced, drilled and planned that would make all our first responders in Georgia more effective today – and ultimately save more lives – and that cost little or nothing more than what is already being spent. In addition, we know there are new technologies and systems coming soon that will propel emergency communications to next generation of response effectiveness and we all should stay on top of that. While these efforts require a financial investment, our state and local governments must think long-term value when the lives and livelihoods of the citizens we are sworn to protect are at stake. ■ 52 GEORGIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT http://www.speng.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - May 2008

Georgia County Government - May 2008 Contents President’s Message County Matters ACCG 2008 Annual Meeting: Highlights County Focus: Clayton County Negotiating a Professional Service Firm Contract: Part 3 Counties Get Involved in Efforts to End Sexual Abuse of Children Smart Growth Scorecard Gives Communities a Way to Grade New Developments Wireless Technologies Critical for First Responders Research Corner: The ACCG Policy Process RDCs Assist the USS Georgia Flag Project Extension News: Animals Take Spotlight in Disaster Planning Georgia’s Grand Old Courthouses: Grady County NACo News: Green Initiative Launches Searchable Database Insurance News: ACCG Announces New Inmate Medical Savings Program County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - May 2008

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