"Given the success of the city's existing Wi-Fi network, which seamlessly connects City Hall, Courthouse, Public Works, Fire and Police Stations, the next logical step is to bring high-speed broadband to police cars and other emergency vehicles," stated Brian Corty, chief technology officer for 5G Wireless Communications. "We believe our solution is capable of bringing high-speed connectivity to these vehicles at a relatively low cost."
"We're really taking 802.11b technology to new heights and new applications," stated Jerry Dix, president and CEO of 5G Wireless. "We're in the field testing, mapping and demonstrating speeds upward of 1Mbps, while traveling at 35 MPH and we are in the process of proving that the vehicle units would remain connected as they move between multiple 5G Access Points for seamless roaming capabilities."
The Mobile Wi-Fi capability is an extension of the recently announced WiFi HotZone(TM). Whereas local "Hot Spots" only reach an area of 300 ft. from an access point, this enhanced package provides coverage over a mile away. Augmented by strategically placed "repeaters," it is possible to provide the entire fleet of police cars and emergency vehicles total coverage within the seven-square-mile city limits.
The technology has been able to penetrate both manmade and natural obstacles while delivering speeds consistent with line-of-sight locations. This enables the company to provide innovative wireless solutions in response to increased national security and emergency management concerns.
"Having a wireless infrastructure is critical to our Public Safety operations," added Charles Kalil, information systems manager for Garden Grove. "We now have a reliable means of providing critical information as well as normal municipal functions in the event of an emergency. And it's gratifying to know we're doing it at an affordable level at a time when we are under intense pressure to reduce costs due to the State's budget crisis."
