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Replacement Options for CDPD

NCJ Number
207153
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2004 Pages: 16-18
Author(s)
James Careless
Date Published
July 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents three options to Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), the popular wireless data service for law enforcement.
Abstract
CDPD, wireless data service of choice for law enforcement, is carried on analog cellular waves and is being phased out as carriers upgrade to digital services. Law enforcement agencies must find alternatives for delivering data wirelessly; three options are outlined. First, agencies could chose to upgrade to one of the two digital standards, GPRS or 1xRTT. Both formats work well for in-car data applications and both offer superior data delivery speeds compared to CDPD. A second option for law enforcement agencies to consider is the upgrade to cutting-edge wireless technology, Mobile Mesh Networking technology, which boasts 1.5 Mbps of data to each car with speeds of up to 6 Mbps. It works by sending out data using 400 small radio transmitters, rather than relying on a few radio towers. The third option for upgrading from CDPD is to adopt satellite communications, such as the satellite dispatch system offered by Mobile Satellite Ventures. This is a third party system that requires payment for airtime and equipment. While each option has its advantages and drawbacks, all three are good replacements for CDPD.