iXP Provides 5-year Strategic Technology Plan for Syracuse University Campus Radio System

Sector: Higher Education

Focus: Campus Radio System

Started: 2003

Situation

Syracuse University had identified a number of issues with their Campus Radio System. The University was concerned with the FCC's push towards "narrow" banding capability, the age and serviceability of their current systems repeaters/transmitters, and a desire for increased user functionality. To address these issues, the University released an RFP for a "Radio Study" to assess the system, provide a strategic technology plan for the next five years, and provide a budgetary cost breakdown.

Solution

iXP was engaged to review the existing radio system and future system recommendations against existing and future FCC and Association of Public Safety Communication Officer's (APCO) regulations and policies. iXP evaluated both commercial and public safety recommendations and regulations.

In creating recommendations for the Syracuse University Radio System, iXP also considered the expressed desire of the Department of Public Safety for wireless data communications. The recommendations included equipment placement, frequency allocation and other factors to consider in keeping or changing radio technologies. Included in the recommendations, iXP provided budgetary estimates and a proposed plan for implementation of these improvements.

Results

iXP identified numerous risk factors in the radio system. These issues included coverage problems (with resultant officer safety questions), outdated equipment, and potential loss of communications related to power failure. iXP also identified potential cost savings which could be obtained by improving management policies and purchasing policies. iXP prepared a report comparing the potential advantages/disadvantages of retaining the existing system (with modifications) against replacing the existing technology with a more modern, but potentially more expensive, trunked radio system. iXP's report concluded that here was no pressing functional or performance requirement to move beyond the existing radio system implementation to a costly trunked solution, when lower cost options could improve and extend the life cycle of the existing system.

As a further component of this project, iXP provided a strategy to consider the implementation of a trunked radio solution to maximize the technology improvements and FCC regulation changes projected for the next ten (10) years. This allowed the University the opportunity to plan and implement the strategy without the sense of urgency which existed prior to the study.

As a result of the successful completion of this project, iXP was contracted to provide continued support for the University's communications with a Radio Frequency Re-allocation project. in 2004.

Value Delivered. Problem Solved.