What kinds of spectrum-dependent telecommunications equipment are currently being used by the energy, water and railroad industries?
The most widely used tool is mobile radio. Dispatchers and electric power grid managers communicate directly to mobile crews to safely restore power, give operating orders, and the crew reports job completions. Also, private mobile data emergency dispatch of crews along with vehicle tracking methods allow for the quick (less than 30 minutes) response of reported gas leaks. Finally, based on our internal survey, a crew will daily assist the community and request the dispatcher to call 911 for a heart attack victim or an automobile accident. The mobile radio system is the only means of communication when our Overhead Line crews render mutual assistance to other utilities such as during hurricanes and ice storms. Direct radio control of remote substations, gas compressor stations and pole top switches provides for quick customer service and service restoration. Where Detroit Edison has implemented the 928 to 952 MHz Multiple Address System (MAS) frequencies, operators can quickly reconfig
