900 MHz is unlicensed spectrum that has been commonly and traditionally used for portable phones, microwaves and wireless internet services.  Now, RACOM has expanded its use into broadband (high speed) mobile data solutions for police, fire, emergency management, utilities and water and street departments. 

Service organizations are looking for ways to improve productivity.  Enabling field workers to efficiently do work remotely can save more than hour per day per worker.  The key is to minimize the amount of time they need to come into the office.  With high speed computer connections available to their vehicle, a worker can do from their vehicle anything they can do from their computer in the office:

• Email

• Internet

• Service Orders

• Scheduling

• Service Tickets

• Database Access

• Departmental software applications

• etc.

Some 900 MHz mobile data systems can be designed to provide speeds 5-10 times faster than cellular data services and up to 100 times faster than traditional mobile data solutions for public safety and public service applications. 

How do these mobile data solutions compare to 802.11?

We're often asked how 900 MHz compares to 802.11b, a and g systems.  Each of the technologies have their advantages and limitations.  Generally speaking, the 802.11 systems are better for small geographical coverage areas because of their higher bandwidth (speed).  They are also ideal for covering entire towns and cities as part of an economic development initiative that will provide free (or very inexpensive) internet services to the general public.

A single 900 MHz site can provide the coverage area of several dozen 802.11 hot-spots.  Although the equipment cost for the mobile users is higher than that for 802.11, the infrastructure costs are substantially less.  The trade-off's are costs and coverage, weighed against who the target user base will be.

To get a FREE coverage and cost estimate for setting up a broadband wireless network in your community, call us at (800) 722-6643.