EFJOHNSON EXPERTS TO SERVE AS PANELISTS AT INTERNATIONAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS EXPO (IWCE)

IRVING, TEXAS – February 6, 2012 - John Oblak, vice president of standards and regulatory affairs for EF Johnson Technologies, Inc., and Christian Barker, director of product management, have been invited to share their insights and expertise on narrowbanding, legacy systems support strategies, and the latest public safety radio accessories and devices at the 2012 International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE). The conference takes place February 22-23, 2012 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company will also demonstrate its latest communications equipment and software products in the exhibit hall at booth #5051.

Representatives from EFJohnson will participate in the following discussions:

Topic:              P25 is Preparing for the Future: 700 MHz, CAP and P25 Phase 2             

Date/Time:      Wednesday, February 22, 2012; 1:30-2:45 p.m.                              

Location:        S228

Panelist:          John Oblak, Vice President, Standards and Regulatory Affairs

During the last year, membership on the P25 Steering Committee has significantly expanded and its User Needs Subcommittee has taken on added requirements and responsibilities. At the same time, actions by the FCC have placed new emphasis on some aspects of P25, particularly regarding the 700 MHz band. The Compliance Assessment Program (CAP) has taken on new meaning as grant dollars supporting local and state public safety agencies diminish, and completion of significant portions of the Phase 2 standards suite are rapidly bringing this new spectrum efficient technology option to production. Members of the P25 Steering Committee address various aspects of these and other related issues, and then provide significant time to field audience questions in an open forum.

Topic:              Future Planning for Legacy Networks

Date/Time:      Wednesday, February 22, 2012; 3-4:15 p.m.                                               

Location:        S228

Panelist:          John Oblak, Vice President, Standards and Regulatory Affairs

Legacy equipment continues to play a valuable role in the standard operation of everyone’s telecom network. Power systems, microwave, transport, data and switching are some equipment categories that often require attention, growth, repair, spares management and out-of-warranty support in most cases beyond the OEMs intended lifecycle and support timeframe.  If you’re “stuck” with your legacy network and upgrading is not an option, review practical ideas and network management techniques as well as new hardware available that will deliver the most dynamic system.  In addition, review any changes that will occur under narrowbanding or rebanding guidelines.

Topic:              Accessories and Devices for Public Safety Subscriber Radios

Date/Time:      Thursday, February 23, 2012; 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.                  

Location:        S230

Speaker:         Christian Barker, Director of Product Management

Law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, HAZMAT teams, and EMTs have all become highly dependent on their portable and mobile radios to perform their missions effectively and safely. However, each of these missions is different in nature, and devices and accessories such as the Bluetooth speaker microphones and longer-lasting battery chargers they use must have the ability make their jobs easier to accomplish. In many of these missions, the responder’s role can vary during the shift from administrative to tactical, and using the right device along with the right set of accessories can make a huge difference. Explore some of the new devices and accessories available to public safety and how these can make the job easier and safer.

           

About John Oblak, Vice President, Standards and Regulatory Affairs

With over 30 years of experience working with radio communications technology, John Oblak has helped shape the national standards for equipment development and implementation. In addition to his role at EFJohnson, where he has worked since 1984, Oblak currently serves as chair of the TR-8 Engineering Committee for Private Radio and has chaired the TR-8.1 Subcommittee for Transceiver Measurement Methods for 26 years.  He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

About Christian Barker, Director of Product Management

For more than 11 years Christian Barker has been managing product lines through their entire lifecycle. With a background in electrical engineering and a track record of developing and launching new products for military and public safety communication, Barker can explain what makes the newest accessories and devices unique and what impact they will have on improving public safety.