Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems (BATS) Brings Better Emergency Communications to NYC

To improve communications during emergencies, New York City recently created its own wireless data network called the New York City Wireless Network (NYC-Win). Innovative solutions from Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems (BATS) are a key part of the new infrastructure. In the aftermath of tragedies like Hurricane Katrina and the September 11th terrorist attacks, consumers have overloaded private data networks like Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint by calling loved ones and posting videos to the Internet. As a result, people in urgent need of emergency assistance have trouble getting through to help. The BATS BTS-3300 (with GPS) plays a critical role in New York City's new wireless emergency response network. The system is able to automatically locate, lock in, and track wireless broadband connections among mobile command centers and remote locations throughout the entire NYC coverage area within eight minutes. The BATS BTS-3300 mobile communication unit seamlessly integrates with the New York City Wireless Network and provides 110 megabit throughput to New York City's emergency services wireless network. The BATS unit provides additional benefits in the form of significant cost savings, as it is less expensive than satellite and cellular alternatives. A recent article on NY1 News investigates the effect that the new emergency response network will have. "Sharing a network amongst eight million people and vital and critical city operations that's just an unworkable situation," Carole Post of the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, told NY1. "We needed to improve our own infrastructure, our own communication methods amongst and between ourselves and we needed this hardened, secure, dedicated network to be able to do that." Access points on the NYC-Win are equipped with 24 hours of backup power, vital for communications to continue to run even during blackouts. New York's new wireless network is already inspiring other cities and states to consider how their communications systems withstand emergency situations.