How Will the Economic Crisis Affect Mobile Radio?
(10/13/08) By Sandra Wendelken Although the current economic downturn will impact the mobile radio communications industry, firms with sound business plans can weather the crisis. However, mission-critical communications managers should prepare now for tighter budgets and government revenue shortfalls, industry experts said. “Many of our customers are looking to cut their budgets to deal with the crisis,” said Joe Ross, partner with Televate, a public-safety communications consulting firm. “For projects already in progress, we don’t suspect any significant changes; however, we suspect that new projects will be cut or delayed. A number of our projects are funded by federal grants, and to enhance voice and data interoperability in the current capital crisis, the federal government may need to expand the overall grant program.” Steve Proctor, executive director of the Utah Communications Agency Network (UCAN), said his agency and others will be watching expenses. “Tight budgetary times af
