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The use of wireless devices is fast becoming the primary mode of communication in America. And so now, more than ever, it is imperative that wireless communication networks are reliable and widely available in the event of a crisis or catastrophe. Meridian Telecom Inc. (MTI) has strategically engineered and developed the first and only turnkey approach to deploying “shared” emergency backup power for cellular antenna sites in order to ensure wireless telecommunication providers are capable of maintaining critical power to their networks in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
MTI’s Shared Emergency Backup Power Solution (Shared Solution) contemplates all aspects of integration, including program/project management, land use planning and permitting as well as engineering and construction. In addition, the Shared Solution provides for day-to-day asset ownership and management responsibilities, including maintenance and refueling and all required regulatory compliance and reporting.
By sharing the costs of installing and managing one source of emergency backup power capable of meeting the needs of multiple carriers, in addition to transferring to MTI the responsibilities of ownership, asset management and liability, carriers will save millions of dollars in both capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX savings), and have more time to focus attention on managing and optimizing their networks to better serve their customer base.
According to industry analysts, 2007 was the first year that American households spent more money on cell phone service than on land lines. By the beginning of 2008, there were roughly 200 million land lines in use nationwide, and over 250 million cell phones, including both residential and corporate users.
“Americans have naturally come to rely on cell phones as their sole means of communication, and during an emergency or natural disaster, first responders and emergency service personnel rely heavily on wireless communication networks to facilitate their rescue efforts,” said Michael Crisafulli, President and CEO of MTI. “It’s now obligatory for the carriers to undertake this monumental effort to secure their networks with a reliable source of emergency backup power.”
MTI has anticipated this burden and endeavored to take the necessary steps to develop a very purposeful and systematic approach to meeting the needs of consumers, property owners, governing authorities and carriers.
“We’re confident MTI’s Shared Solution is the most efficient, cost effective and environmentally sensitive approach to meeting this enormous challenge,” said Crisafulli.
Other agencies are recognizing the importance of the availability of emergency backup power as well. On the heels of the biggest natural disaster to ever hit the United States, Hurricane Katrina, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is contemplating legislation that will require emergency backup power at all wireless telecommunication sites. The mandate (FCC Order 07-177) is currently pending submission to the Office of Management and Budget by the FCC for information collection, review and approval. According to the FCC, “[T]he need for backup power in the event of emergencies has been made abundantly clear by recent events, and the cost of failing to have such power may be measured in lives lost.”
“The need for reliable emergency backup power has become a critical component of any wireless facility,” said Tom Reese, Vice-President of Business Development for MTI. “MTI’s Shared Solution specifies a higher level of readiness than recommendations made by the impending FCC mandate. MTI’s Shared Solution ensures its source of emergency backup power is meticulously maintained, monitored 24/7/365 and properly fueled to provide a minimum of 36 hours of ready and reliable backup power.”
Regardless of the outcome, the momentum has shifted, and carriers are acutely aware of their role in maintaining resilient networks in the case of an emergency and know that a ready and dependable source of emergency backup power is essential.
“The carriers we have spoken with understand the necessity and challenges of providing a standby source of emergency backup power, and they have all expressed without exception some measure of interest in implementing a program to meet this essential mandate, whether it’s the law or not,” said Reese.
Founded by telecommunications industry veteran Michael Crisafulli, Meridian Telecom Inc. specializes in wireless network infrastructure development and management with a specific emphasis on program and project management, site acquisition, land use planning, regulatory compliance, permit processing, construction management, lease administration, property management and collocation and cohabitation management. MTI is a highly respected industry leader that has been providing specialized network development consulting services to the wireless telecommunications industry since 1995. For more information call Tom Reese at (949) 756-0282 x20.
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