Government Technology
Government Technology: State & Local Government News Articles

Broadband Over Power Line Initiative Wins Award for New York City Housing Authority



Print
Comment
NYCHA

Jun 5, 2008, News Report

Photo by Benn Kobb: Avi Duvdevani (L) receives the telecommunications award from PTI's Alan Shark

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has been honored for the third consecutive year with a prestigious Public Technology Institute (PTI.org) Solutions award. PTI's annual competition recognizes local governments that demonstrate how applied technology can improve service delivery, reduce operating costs or increase revenue.

NYCHA was awarded first place in the Telecommunications/IT Large Government category for its broadband over power line (BPL) proof of concept initiative, currently being implemented in Building #5 containing 115 units at Roosevelt Houses. The proof of concept (POC) demonstrates the feasibility of the technology solution under NYCHA's IT governance ePMO process. The initiative is supported by a multi-department project team led by IT Project Manager Anthony Palermo, in partnership with IBM and MST-NuVisions.

BPL can substantially reduce the cost of upgrading failing intercom and obsolete telecommunications systems at NYCHA's developments by using existing electrical wiring systems to carry digital signals that will support an Internet protocol based intercom system. Use of existing electrical wiring eliminates the need for core drilling and minimizes the installation of a separate cable infrastructure to support intercom and other communications services, including CCTV surveillance cameras for building security.

Opportunities to upgrade intercom systems at various locations within NYCHA's portfolio have been scarce due to lack of funds to install fully cabled infrastructures. However, given the potential of BPL technology, NYCHA may be able to consider such future upgrades at less than half the cost.

BPL core components have been deployed and are now operational in the POC location. Installment of improved intercom devices in apartments is under way. During the next four months, system performance will be analyzed to assess the technical and financial feasibility of future larger deployments. The results will be presented to the General Manager's Operations Committee, which will consider the next steps for a broadband over power line in-building network.

In presenting PTI's Solutions award to the NYCHA Board at its May 28 meeting, CIO and Deputy General Manager for IT Avi Duvdevani remarked: "It is rare that an IT project can so directly impact residents' quality of life the way this one does. The project is on track and the BPL supported CCTV surveillance system is now fully operational under Internet protocol." Duvdevani thanked the Board for its continued support of innovative technology, and recognized the project team from the four involved departments "whose support and assistance have been invaluable."


If You Liked This Article, You May Also Like...

Related Products and Services


Latest Government Technology News


Industry Solutions for Government

Read real world deployments of technology in government from our sponsors.

View All Industry Solutions

Marketplace



This section
brought to you by:


Communications and Interoperable Technology Survey

Emergency Management magazine invites you to participate in our Communications and Interoperable Technology Survey. Our 11 questions are very brief and should only take 5 minutes of your time.

Complete our survey now, and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Dispatch Operations and Interoperability

A New Era in Public Safety BlackBerry® smartphones running on Sprint networks deliver a wide range of applications that are transforming public safety operations.


Hurricane Preparedness Tips When a hurricane hits, are you prepared to keep in touch?


Case Study - Morris County, New Jersey The Morris County Communications Center upgraded to a new trunked radio system with the benefits of a cellular network, extending coverage beyond county lines


Case Study - Iredell County, North Carolina Spanning over 570 sq miles, it became imperative that the Iredell County Emergency Communications, Operations and Management extend it's communications systems to enhance reliability, security, and coverage.


Case Study - City of Anaheim, California The City of Anaheim saw an opportunity to leverage existing GST and partner with nearby cities to enhance safety operations through data interoperability.


Case Study - Charlottesville, Virginia Fire Department Taking advantage of a range of interoperability solution, the Charlottesville Fire Department has achieved a network that can serve as backup to their existing public safety network.


Sprint ERT Go-Kit with GST Optima Rapid, interoperable communications for emergencies, drills and field exercises.


Optimal Interoperability Until recently it was not possible to cost effectively connect commercial networks to LMR systems. Improvements in communications technology have resulted in greatly enhanced operational capability and have reduced the log-term cost of communications system ownership.


Multi-agency interoperability for Public Safety Establishing cross-agency, real-time situational awareness is critical to effective incident management as well as daily resource management.


Video


DHS Grant Links

DHS Grants and Assistance Programs Link to overview of available grants administered by The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)


Fact Sheet: Fiscal Year 2008 Preparedness Grants Major changes in funding and focus for 2008 DHS grant programs


Remarks on 2008 Homeland Security Grant Guidance DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff and FEMA Administrator David Paulison


$1.8 billion in DHS Homeland Security Grant Program Awards


Funding Public Safety Communications Whether you are a law enforcement agency, looking for funding to support an interoperable communications solution or a school, seeking to improve communications between building administrators, grants may provide the funding you need to implement a robust, scalable communication system.


Yes! I would like more information about Sprint's dispatch operations and interoperability solutions.