ISICS Board Meeting - June 8, 2017 | Notes & Information
ISICS June 8, 2017 Board Meeting - Video
The conversation starts at timestamp 1:37:50, please view here.
The update on the ISICS construction can be found at timestamp 1:21:54, please view here.
Each month, the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board (known as ISICSB) has an open meeting to discuss the new statewide LMR platform. The ISICSB is comprised of members from public safety agencies from across the state. You can view the board members here. Each Regional Interoperable Committee (RIC) needs local representation, if you have interest in joining, please email Shawn at iowanet@iowa.gov.
Each month, we will provide a synopsis of pertinent information on ISICS’ LMR statewide system and what it means for our customers.
This month, ISICSB discussed an update on the statewide interoperable LMR system’s construction and provided information about an ISSI gateway link between the ISICS system and other LMR systems around the state.
An ISSI Gateway would serve functionally to connect alternative LMR systems with the ISICS system. Craig Allen, the Iowa Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC), has been investigating the possibility of the ISSI to function correctly, the cost and how it would play out in Iowa.
Craig Allen conducted a national review to assess how the ISSI is functioning in other states. He visited with stakeholders in those states. In addition, ISICS Board held a summit and brought in experts on ISSI. After finishing his review, he recommended that the ISICS system not utilize an ISSI gateway with other LMR systems.
He came to this conclusion for a couple of reasons. First, he noted that due to the fact that there is no ISSI system nationally that is functioning at a mature enough rate, it would be difficult for him to feel comfortable telling Iowans they should adopt it.
Second, he said he cannot justify that the state of Iowa, taxpayers and multiple counties, spend millions of dollars to connect these systems via an ISSI.
In addition, he noted that he is not talking about just one (1) ISSI, there are multiple vendors/systems in Iowa and so that cost will be extremely high. This is all not to mention that different vendors update their systems at different times – it is difficult to assess the cost of these upgrades and how they would be paid.
Here are some of the misconceptions being spread by adversaries of the statewide system:
- 1. Misconception: The state is already in possession of the ISSI that will perform the function of connecting to two systems and so can easily “flip it on.”
FALSE: The ISICS system isn’t even in the final stages of construction, the ISSI has not been “purchased” and the cost to the taxpayer and further public safety burden will be high – upwards in the millions of dollars. Additionally, the cost to connect to ISICS through the ISSI will be passed onto the consumer.
Reminder: there are no user fees to connect to the statewide system - 2. Misconception: “ISICS is already being connected to other legacy systems around the state, the ISSI is just one more connection”
FALSE: This severely misstates and simplifies this transfer.- First, the ISSI connection is not a proven transfer. In fact, this type of transfer has had multiple problems nationally.
- Even if it can be transferred, the situation is not “plug and play.” It will take millions of dollars, a deep technical understanding, significant programming, and multiple trainings for those that will utilize it.
- 3. Misconception: The state is making decisions solely that will benefit Motorola
FALSE: The ISICS system is vendor agnostic. Any vendor that has created P25 technology can sell technology that will connect to the system.
View more information along with a detailed list about ISICS common misconceptions here
