Space Data Offers New Tool for Broadband Mapping: ScanSite Verifies Wireless Carrier Deployment
Chandler, AZ
July 1, 2009
Space Data®, the firm that is leading the utilization of the vast area above where airplanes fly but below satellites, today announced a new tool for mapping broadband wireless use. "Increasing broadband penetration and adoption in unserved and underserved areas is a top national priority, but, frankly, until now there has not been a way to accurately determine wireless spectrum usage," said Jerry Knoblach, Space Data's Chairman and CEO. "Our new ScanSite(TM) system will provide virtually real time mapping of actual broadband wireless transmissions."
Space Data flies a constellation of airborne equipment above the US between 65,000 and 100,000 feet in altitude. For the past five years, the company has provided monitoring and control systems for the energy industry across the Southwest. The Air Force also awarded a $49 million contract to Space Data to implement a military version of its technology called Combat SkySat. Additionally, Space Data provides diabetes telemedicine monitoring across vast Navajo Tribal Lands and is itself the largest licensee of Narrowband PCS spectrum, which already is being used by a leading Advanced Metering Infrastructure company to help create the Smart Grid-another national priority.
ScanSite is simply another utilization of the very reliable Space Data technology. While flying between 12 and 18 miles high, the ScanSite equipment maps broadband transmissions on the ground giving highly accurate data on where broadband is available-and where it is not. The alternative of mapping transmission via mobile vans outfitted with 17-foot antennas and spectrum analyzers would be much more expensive and take months for a single state due to their limited line of sight. Since the ScanSite measures only the actual transmissions used, the data is independent of, and therefore is able to verify, service provider supplied information. ScanSite also measures how much spectrum is currently unused and therefore available for future growth. This data assurance function is viewed as critical by many who worry about efficiently and productively spending the $7B Broadband stimulus funds. The data would probably be out of date by the time wireless ground mapping was completed. By contrast, ScanSite can provide nearly real-time information.
Governments can use ScanSite to verify wireless broadband availability and spectrum use. The LinkAMERICA Alliance which is working with states and municipalities to maximize broadband stimulus projects through mapping has included ScanSite in several recent proposals. Accurate, third-party documentation has been an issue of controversy until now, but ScanSite can provide the first independent system that all parties can rely on.
Media Contacts:
Tim Ayers: 202-422-5048; tim@ayersassociates.net
Company Contacts:
Jim Wiesenberg: 480-722-2104; jim.wiesenberg@spacedata.net