Re-run: Broadcast Single Frequency Networks (SFN) Webinar: July 2010
Due to the popularity of this event we are holding another event. Please see details below:
Date: Tuesday 13 July
Time: 11am BST
Method: Webinar
Audience: Broadcasters and national regulators
This webinar will focus on Single Frequency Networks and will examine both analogue and digital interference calculation functionality available in ICS Telecom.
To register contact: sarah.sasson@atdi.co.uk
Broadcast Single Frequency Networks (SFN): June 2010
Date: Tuesday 29 June
Time: 10 am BST
Method: Webinar
Audience: Broadcasters and national regulators
This webinar will focus on Single Frequency Networks and will examine both analogue and digital interference calculation functionality available in ICS Telecom.
To register email marketing@atdi.co.uk
Assessing the impact of wind farms on radio systems: June 2010
This webinar looks at a recent UK case study involving the assessment of the impact of a proposed wind farm on radio systems.
Planning new FM stations in congested bands: May 2010
The aim of this webinar is to enable new FM station to be assigned optimal frequencies in congested bands, ensuring that degradation of service to existing users is kept to a minimum.
Introducing Google Earth: March 2010
Imagine being able to display visually accurate results without breaching map data royalties? This is now possible using ICS Telecom and Google Earth. Click for more info.
Webinar programme extended: March 2010
ATDI is on track to give customers an enhanced online experience. The company received a strong response to the introduction of online webinars last year, encouraging ATDI to expand the programme for 2010.
For more information check out our Events section.
Assessing the interaction of radars & wind farms: March 2010
Check out the latest white paper from ATDI on assessing the affect of radars on wind turbines.
2010: Webinars prgramme extended: January 2010
The company introduced webinars last year and the warm response to the concept has encouraged ATDI to plan an expanded programme for 2010.
The five sessions already scheduled will cover:
- modelling the effects on radar of wind farms
- understanding the geographic systems including Google Earth, Global Mapper and coordinate codes
- modelling interference in multi-channel and single channel frequencies
- modelling radar antennas, interference and coverage
- understanding interference between dissimilar systems.
To register for more information please email: marketing@atdi.co.uk
2010: the year of harmony and farming: January 2010
ATDI managing director Cyprien de Cosson analyses the prospects for a harmonious 2010
Creating clarity in network requirements: January 2010
The customer is always right. Except when they’re wrong. Or don’t actually know where they stand.
The key to the successful provision of a radio network is meeting the requirements of the people paying for it. But finding out what those requirements are is not a straightforward process – particularly when customers don’t know themselves. READ MORE
60 Second Interview: January 2010
Alan Collinson is a radar expert who acts as a Consultant to the industry on radar and radar interference. We asked Alan what problems wind farms cause and how the industry could minimise these effects. READ MORE
Latest HTZ Warfare release: January 2010
Technology wins wars, and ATDI is making its contribution with a new version of battlespace planning and modelling tool HTZ Warfare. The latest version has both enhanced funcionality and an improved user interface. Read more.
Spectrum Management seminar - Tools of the trade: January 2010
Subject: Tools of the Trade - Implementing the engineering needed in a Spectrum Management Organisation
Date: tbc
Venue: tbc
Warm thanks and best wishes for the holiday season: December 2009
On behalf of ATDI and, most importantly, some of the world's poorest people, thank you. Your support for our donation to Tree Aid (www.treeaid.org.uk) instead of Christmas cards means vulnerable communities across Africa now have new sources of food and income and greater defences against soil erosion and drought.
From all of us here and there, thank you and best wishes to you for a happy holiday season.
HOMING IN ON THE REAL STATE OF SPECTRUM: December 2009
Radio spectrum resources are like the housing market – and it’s all about location, location, location.
Delegates at an ATDI seminar were told that the shortage of spectrum space is less an overall problem and more of a function of too much demand for prime spots. The seminar, titled Spectrum Management: Can We Co-Exist Without Tears, heard from various presenters including Julian McGougan, head of public policy and regulatory affairs at Arqiva, that “most spectrum is little used most of the time in most places.”
Seminar - Spectrum Management under a liberalised regime: November 2009
Subject: Spectrum Management: Coexistence without tears
Date: Friday 27 November 2009 - morning session
Venue: Central Hall Westminster, London, UK
ATDI & NATO DISCUSS BATTLESPACE SPECTRUM: November 2009
Wars are won in the airwaves and ATDI is at the forefront of NATO’s efforts to safeguard battlespace spectrum.
Company representatives attended an exhibition mounted by NATO’s Consultation, Command and Control Board (NC3B) which focused on the radio spectrum as a vital military resource.
6th NC3B Exhibition on 'Spectrum at the Crossroads': November 2009
Date: 11-12 November (revised date)
Venue: NATO HQ, Brussels, Belguim
Overview:This event enables organiations to demonstate how emerging technologies enable more efficient use and management of radio spectrum through technological approaches, planning tools and monitoring equipment. ATDI will be exhibiting at this event.
This autumn's big release coming to a screen near you: November 2009
ATDI are pleased to introduce ICS Telecom 9.6.5
For all the latest updates and new features please contact sales@atdi.co.uk
Product demos are available via webcast.
eContact October 2009: October 2009
It's a digital world and Contact is moving with the times. The new digital format has the same quality of features and comments as the old paper version but is less reliant on expired trees for its delivery.
Download now: http://www.atdi.co.uk/ContactOct09.pdf
Introducing eContact: October 2009
This first edition of eContact marks the next step in ATDI’s evolution as an online company. Following the success of our web portal, and the introduction of our webinar programme, the old paper Contact is now eContact and will be delivered quarterly to your computer screen. As ATDI embraces the full potential of instant web-delivered services, customers, readers and the environment all benefit. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Fair shares could become the law: October 2009
Radiocommunications companies are coming to terms with a radical new infrastructure concept – and it is a notion that may be forced upon them whether they like it or not.
Infrastructure sharing is something that has been passed into law in a number of countries, some with a commercial and political environment very similar to the UK’s. Now the idea is being addressed here and it is highlighting the need to be aware of the regulatory and technical implications.
Giant turbines fuel radar fears: October 2009
The UK government’s commitment to building the world’s biggest wind farm turbine blades has left the telecoms industry hoping due consideration will be given to their impact on air traffic control radars.
Uncertain future looms as Ofcom picks experts: October 2009
UK radio regulator Ofcom is facing an uncertain future. But, while it is waiting for the radical changes that a potential new government is promising, it is surrounding itself with expertise.
ICS Telecom: coming to a screen near you: October 2009
The smartest thing in radio planning and modelling is being launched this autumn at the speed of light.
The latest version of ATDI’s flagship planning and modelling tool, ICS Telecom v.9.6.2, is being introduced with a series of webinars instead of the traditional seminars.
60 second interview: Julian McGougan, Arqiva: October 2009
Topic: Band Management
Broadcast and mobile communications provider Arqiva provides infrastructure and services for terrestrial broadcast, satellite and wireless access across the UK, Europe and US. Among its most recent acquisition is JFMG, the band manager for Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE), which illustrates its commitment as the UK’s leading spectrum manager. We caught up with Julian McGougan, Head of Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at Arqiva, to discuss why other countries should mirror the success of UK band managers.
ATDI customers harness the power of the web: October 2009
The increasing demands for speed and accuracy in radio planning and modelling have shaped the success of ATDI’s online services.
ATDI introduces PnC Calc the compact companion for military mission planners & spectrum managers: June 2009
ATDI is pleased to announce the release its pioneering Profile and Coverage Calculator known as PnC Calc. This tool is a compact companion for military mission planners and spectrum managers to enable them to plan, design and model point to point links and area coverage for radio systems whenever or wherever the need arises. The tool, which runs on a handheld, laptop or desktop computer, was designed by ATDI in consultation with military planners and is designed primarily for use in the field.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF WIND FARMS ON RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS: May 2009
ATDI’s leading role in advising radio spectrum users over the impact of wind farms was reinforced with a seminar in the same week as the opening of Europe’s largest onshore facility.
Policy Tracker article on Public Sector Spectrum: April 2009
We need to rethink our attitude to spectrum pricing, argues ATDIs Managing Director Cyprien de Cosson. Those users with the greatest claim on the airwaves should have sufficient interference-free spectrum, while less important users should be made to share
Apr 29, 2009 by Cyprien de Cosson, Managing Director, ATDI
PnC Calc: palm-size planning power: March 2009
Military mission planners and spectrum managers have been shown just how much planning power will fit into the palm of their hand.
ATDI joins Norwegian defence exercise: March 2009
Norway is enhancing its electronic defence capabilities with the help of ATDI. The move represents a further step forward in the company’s relationship with the authorities in the country.
ATDI'S WEB DOORWAY FOR RURAL NORWAY: March 2009
ATDI has provided the building blocks for a web portal that will be used to plan internet access for rural Norway.
ATDI ADOPTS CHARITY FOR 2009: March 2009
ATDI chooses the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign, as their Charity of the Year. This choice recognises the medical treatment and support provided to ATDI’s lead engineer, Nick Kirkman, during his recent illness.
COMPETITION WINNER: November 2008
Congratulations to Jon Davies, Principal Consultant, Scisys Ltd, who is the proud owner of a new iPhone.
Thanks to all those who entered.
60-Second interview: November 2008
IT & business service company Logica and partners are part of a radical shake-up of the UK’s military spectrum resources. The spectrum audit is a prelude to the re-assessment of how military spectrum can better contribute to the UK economy. We caught up with Gary Lay, Director of Defence at Logica, to discuss this project.
Trigger levels in liberalised spectrum governance: November 2008
The radio spectrum is facing the same question as global financial structures: just how much interference should there be in the free market?
CONTRACTING OUT SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT: November 2008
The Cave report suggested that UK governmental organisations should become more effective in their use of the spectrum. Since optimal effectiveness is associated with the free market, it is no surprise that various agencies are investigating the option of contracting out the management of their spectrum holdings to embrace the markets and to escape the baggage of bureaucracy and the history of command and control. The recent consultations for the Ministry of Defence and Programme Making and Special Events (PSME) are fuelling this trend.
Phones to Africa via unused spectrum: November 2008
Some of the world''s poorest consumers will get access to mobile phone networks for the first time - if engineers can find a way of fitting a quart into a pint pot.
Radio fears get backseat in green energy growth: November 2008
The next crop of wind farms will grow at an unprecedented speed – and will leave a shorter time than ever before to assess their impact on radiocommunications.
Old Subject, New Understanding: November 2008
Störungen (Interferenzen) werden zumeist nur schwer von denjenigen verstanden, die die neuesten Systeme nutzen und spezifizieren, da auch der technologische Fortschritt die Zuordnung ihrer Auswirkungen nicht einfacher macht. Bei älteren Technologien war das Problem öfter bei Benutzern aufgetaucht, die regelmäßig die Art und sogar die Quelle einer Störung bestimmen konnten.
In der digitalen Welt existieren Störungen als Mechanismus noch immer und die Auswirkungen eröffnen sich eher auf subtilere Weise, die Benutzer glauben lässt, dass die Systeme tolerant oder in gewisser Hinsicht sogar immun gegenüber Störungen sind. Obgleich die Folgen weniger offensichtlich sein mögen, können die Resultate verheerend sein und so zum Versagen eines Dienstes über weite Gebiete führen, wie es bei vielen Mobiltelefonnutzern der Fall sein kann, deren Gespräche unverständlich werden.
TAKING THE EDGE OFF THE CREDIT CRUNCH: August 2008
The credit crunch is hitting radio networks as hard as other areas of business. The ways of ensuring that investment levels are maintained during the economic downturn and those investors continue to receive return on their money will be addressed at a seminar run by ATDI and Mott MacDonald.
ATDI LEADS WIND TURBINE SEMINAR: August 2008
Radio engineers need to keep a close eye on the UK's changing skyline, a seminar heard last week.
The rising number of wind farms and their increasing potential to affect air traffic control radars and other radiocommunications infrastructure was the central theme of the event run by radio planning and modelling company ATDI in London on Thursday, July 10.
INSIGHT: April 2008
Up close and personal
Professional development is the cornerstone of our working lives. It gives us the drive to progress our careers, keeps the industry competitive and makes us more employable. This feature takes an in-depth look at the chosen career paths of professionals and focuses on how they've adapted to challenges along the way.
Focus: Paul Gill, Managing Director, JFMG
Planning at (almost) the speed of light: March 2008
Only in politics is a week a long time. In radio network planning, it’s the blink of an eye – which is why a project that ran from concept to completion from Monday to Friday is causing a stir.
The middle-aged spread of wireless networks: March 2008
Wireless networks are not mellowing with middle age.
Despite having been around for 50 years, they can still present hellish problems for operators and contractors. Over-engineering is one extreme example, with post-installation ‘optimisation’ the other. But is it really that difficult? How do we get it right first time? This article gives some pointers.
User-friendly software: March 2008
Engineers agree that the ideal interface is intuitive for the occasional user, but also fast for the frequent user. It provides access to the widest possible range of functionality without having confusing options. But, as ever in trade offs, it is never possible to achieve all of these things.
Successful modelling: the latest fashions: March 2008
Fashion and radio network planning have in a lot in common.
In both worlds, models are things of beauty intended to present a design so it can be scrutinised, checked, analysed and improved - and fashion designers and radio engineers are agreed that it is always vital that the right model is chosen for the job.
Making radio sound good to business: March 2008
Wireless networks require millions of pounds to create, and organisations financing them need to know what they will get in return.
Anybody intending to invest in a future wireless network needs to understand how many customers will be captured, how much traffic they will generate and how much revenue can be expected from them and to weigh this against total cost. That cost is dependent on the number of base stations or sites needed and the cost of equipment at these sites. The balance between revenue and costs is largely within the network operator's control, and decisions can be made on what market is attacked and what services are offered to achieve adequate return on investment.
Why civilians cannot be the first casualty of war: March 2008
The Cold War has been replaced by conflict hotspots. With it, the old rules of military spectrum management have disappeared for good.
Editorial: The end game: March 2008
Market forces are taking control of spectrum access. Economics are gradually replacing command and control in determining who gets resources in Europe.
Waking up to to the new radio market: March 2008
Europe's radio industry is waking up to the new realities of spectrum management. But, as with many awakenings, it brings with it an alarm - and some people feel it is all just too damn early.
Partnering for success: December 2007
ATDI and mpirical are joining forces to provide WiMAX training.
A partnership between ATDI and mpirical, a global provider of telecom training, is seeing ATDI provide its flagship planning and modelling tool ICS Telecom for use on WiMAX system engineering and WiMAX planning courses.
Spectrum Regulation in Europe: December 2007
Europe is beginning to tackle the question with the biggest implications for the business of spectrum access: who runs the spectrum?
This article looks at four European countries and how they are managing their spectrum.
Taking the right line for railway communication: December 2007
Independent expertise is keeping vital GSM phone systems for railways from going off on the wrong track.
The process of creating the communication networks that are essential to rail safety has always been more of a political challenge than a technical one, and that process is being aggravated by public-private finance initiatives (PFIs).
INSIGHT: December 2007
Up close and personal
Professional development is the cornerstone of our working lives. It gives us the drive to progress in our careers, keeps the industry competitive and makes us more employable. This feature takes an in-depth look at the chosen career paths of professionals and focuses on how they've adapted to challenges along the way.
This article focuses on Paul Jeffery, Product Manager, Samsung
Bringing rationality to TETRA: December 2007
The spotlight is back on TETRA as the standard enters its mature phase providing the system of choice for the emergency services and other private users with specific tasks to perform.
But, although TETRA networks are free from the revenue imperatives which drive public cellular network roll outs, its implementation is often still problematic.
This articles outlines issues relating to cell planning.
What is in a model? Europe's spectrum future in the balance: November 2007
Can the free market ever guarantee that radio spectrum users will enjoy the business benefits they seek while not suffering undue interference from others? This is the thorniest question in the industry today and an issue to which there is no simple answer.
On battlespace spectrum management: November 2007
The battlespace is a hostile place - in more ways than one. Increased use of spectrum for civil activities in all countries in support of economic progress means that there is less left for the military. This means less left for any intervention or assistance forces. As Paddy Ashdown, the former High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina suggests in his recent book, the incidence of intervention to aid world stability must surely increase in the next 20 years ; equating to less spectrum but more intervention.
ATDI RELEASE ICS TELECOM V.8.8.7: October 2007
An 11-year programme of development has resulted in the latest version of Europe's leading radio planning and modelling software.
ICS Telecom v.8.8.7, which will be launched to an audience of professionals next month, is the flagship software tool from ATDI Ltd. ICS Telecom, which is in use with a gamut of commercial and governmental partners across Europe, has been in continuous development since ATDI's inception in 1996.
ATDI Introduces: ATDI Online Enhanced - Stage II: August 2007
The second stage in the evolution of radio planning and modelling tools is complete.
Services which have traditionally been delivered through desk top PC applications are now available instantly through ATDI Online at www.atdi.co.uk. From this week, these services now have the benefit of the accuracy and clarity of the best maps in Britain.
ATDI INTRODUCE: ATDI ONLINE: July 2007
The first stage in the revolution of radio planning and modelling tools is complete.
Services which have traditionally been delivered through desk top PC applications are now available instantly through ATDI Online at www.atdi.co.uk
Apples and oranges: techniques in comparing technologies: June 2007
Companies and government agencies need to be able to compare how different spectrum dependent technologies fare in meeting expressed requirements when evaluating tender responses. The problem will get more difficult as technology neutrality in spectrum management allows all manner of competing systems to have spectrum access. Previously this was seen in a mild form with TETRA, Tetrapol and MPT1327. All were a form of radio trunking. All provided basically the same user function but all did it in a different way. How does the contracting company choose a winner?
The answer is by simulating the offer against the requirements.
Going forward in neutral: the technology paradox: June 2007
The crock of gold at the end of the rainbow is the optimised use of the radio spectrum. ATDI managing director, John Berry (pictured) examines the options.
Military personnel discuss the future: June 2007
Leading military personnel and system integrators gathered in the largest ever meeting of its kind to discuss the sector's latest developments.
Conflict in the air: who gets to rule the waves?: June 2007
Administrative Incentive Pricing and other market measures will soon determine how much spectrum both civil and military sectors control in many countries. How can the spectrum best be managed to meet both civil and defence needs and ensure the military can fight where and when it needs to? ATDI managing director John Berry examines the problems and potential solutions.
How to avoid getting caught in the Net: June 2007
Information is the new gold - but significantly harder to protect.
While traditional villains sought bullion, today bytes are more valuable as they represent the difference between business success and failure. And such is the constant threat to information systems that the average time an unprotected computer can now spend on the Internet without being compromised is six seconds.
ATDI bolsters independent wireless backhaul: June 2007
A bespoke set of tools created by ATDI Ltd is helping MLL Telecom Ltd maintain its position as the UK's largest independent provider in wireless backhaul.
FREE TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS FROM ATDI: May 2007
The future of WiMAX and the challenges for radio spectrum are two the themes being addressed at seminars run by planning and modelling consultancy ATDI Ltd. Attendance is free but places are limited.
ICS Telecom helps Irish State Broadcaster beat interference: April 2007
Irish state broadcaster RTE is extending its relationship with ATDI Ltd, Europe's leading broadcast planning company, by upgrading its version of ATDI's flagship modelling tool, ICS Telecom.
Treasure Mapping: April 2007
Mapping is set to become easier with a new series of plug-in libraries.
The new tools, soon to be released by ATDI Ltd, will allow users to import a wide range of readily available data formats and then visualise, re-project and export them into ATDI native formats without specialised training.
New German website: April 2007
ATDI is reinforcing its presence in the German market by appointing a new liaison for the country, Torsten Zoehl. Torsten will coordinate the company's work in the country and be the first point of contact for ATDI's customers.
Norway tackles Private Mobile Radio with ATDI: April 2007
Norwegian regulator NPT is extending its relationship with ATDI Ltd into the private mobile radio (PMR) radio sector.
Plain sailing with automatic coverage calculations: April 2007
Air traffic controllers have been given a new set of tools by ATDI Ltd, Europe's leading radio planning and modelling company, to simplify the task of keeping passengers safe.
New - ICS Viewer is now available as download: March 2007
ICS Viewer allows you to display and check results generated by ICS Telecom without a licence. Free download.
New Web Portal helps broaden a shrinking spectrum: March 2007
ATDI Ltd, Europe's leading radio planning and modelling company, is helping performers and presenters become a big noise through a new link with JFMG.
New buses system. Just the ticket: November 2006
Radiocommunications are playing a pivotal role as London's bus fleet grows by 40% to 8,000 vehicles.
London Buses' existing voice radio communications system had been in place since the early 1970s providing communications with depots and central control. Enhancing the old network to meet new challenges was nearly impossible.
Editorial - Living with Newtons Legacy: October 2006
Sir Isaac Newton acknowledged his debt to his scientific forebears by saying he could see furthest only because he was a dwarf standing on the shoulders of giants. Radio engineers today, often giants in their field, remain fixed in the template that the dwarf gave them.
And though we all work to the precepts he laid out, we still fall into three categories: those who believe all can be known from those precepts, those who think we can know nothing, and those who think Newton could have saved us a lot of bother by devoting more time to his day job at the Royal Mint.
ATDIs flagship ICS Telecom software is helping bring power to the people: October 2006
The Joint Radio Company Ltd (JRC), spectrum managers for the gas and electricity industries, has bought ICS Telecom as part of its upgraded modelling system. JRC is using its new ICS Telecom-powered structure to model and plan microwave networks, manage telemetry and telecontrol links, model and plan trunked radio systems, and support plans for future technologies.
Avanti brings services to the country using ICS Telecom: October 2006
Britain's rural communities are being put in the picture with the help of ATDI's flagship planning and modelling tool, ICS Telecom.
Ofcom - Engineers look to MASTS for help: October 2006
UK regulator Ofcom is seeking to make the lives of radiocommunications planners easier with the implementation of its improved Mobile Assignment Technical System (MASTS).
ISO Accreditation: October 2006
ATDI Ltd is on course to obtain the UK's highest accolade for security of information systems.
The company, working in conjunction with SGS Yarsley, a global leader in inspection, verification and certification services, is in the final stages of the ISO 27001 registration application for protection of information of its systems.
Future Tools - download revolution is about to hit radiocommunications: October 2006
With everything from topographical information to Dad's Army already available at the click of a mouse, now planning and modelling tools are being readied for online access. The move will mean that engineers can determine the performance of any transmitting device on the ground or in the air using web-accessed tools and calculators.
The Future Tools project run by ATDI is a the development that has already been named runner up in the Federation of Communication Services' Gerald David OBE Business Radio Innovation Award 2006.
Spectrum Management - EU highlights spectrum control issue: October 2006
To license or not to license - that is the question facing Europe's regulators.
The debate over the degree to which the radio spectrum should be controlled had gone quiet in the UK. But now the European Commission is putting the spotlight on this fundamental issue once more by asking each national radio authority what progress it has made towards liberalisation.
ATDI releases ICS Telecom nG: October 2006
The latest version of flagship product is crowning the 10th anniversary celebrations of the UK's leading radio planning and modelling company.
ATDI is releasing ICS Telecom nG, a next-generation radio planning and modelling software, which has benefited from the company's decade-long development programme.
ATDI receives award for Innovation: September 2006
ATDI's ground-breaking online planning and modelling tools have been honoured by a team of industry experts for achievement in innovation.
The Federation of Communication Services (FCS) named ATDI's online initiative as runner-up in its Gerald David OBE Business Radio Innovation Award 2006. The award was set up to promote excellence and to recognise achievements in the radiocommunications sector.
Photo: Adrian Grilli, managing director, JRC Ltd, and an ATDI customer accepting the award on ATDI''s behalf from Gerald''s wife, Deen David.
New Book: Mobile Radio Network Design In The VHF And UHF Bands: A Practical Approach: August 2006
A new book on radiocommunications engineering is giving a novel insight into the critical factors affecting overall project success, including the one for which science has no answer: people.
ATDI software invaluable for police: May 2006
ATDI software is being used to lengthen the long arm of the law.
The company's flagship ICS Telecom system is being described as "an invaluable tool" by the Police IT organisation (PITO), which is responsible for Airwave - the national digital police radio system.
Ofcom find the simple solution: April 2006
Automating the coordination of broadband wireless access technologies including WiMAX terminals into co-channel microwave and earth station systems proved easier than imagined for UK regulator Ofcom.
Faroes find their answers at ATDI: April 2006
One of Europe's most isolated communities will benefit from the purchase of ICS Telecom.
Engineers turn detective to find network solution: April 2006
A routine microwave planning task turned into a detective story when engineers had to solve interference issues with a parallel existing network.
Radio planning without compromises: April 2006
Radio planning without compromises
The challenge of planning radio networks has never been greater and effective solutions are more critical when lives are at stake. The aerospace and defence company EADS implements safety-critical radio networks for professional users worldwide dealing with security tasks.
ATDI software is being used to lengthen the long arm of the law: March 2006
The UK's police IT organisation (PITO) are implementing an "invaluable" new radio planning tool.
ATDI's flagship ICS Telecom system is being described as "an invaluable tool" by PITO, which is responsible for Airwave - the national digital police radio system.
ATDI takes Norway into the next generation: March 2006
Norway has switched over to its next-generation integrated spectrum management system.
Bought from ATDI, the system enables the country's spectrum regulator, the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT), to plan and license all current and future stations that use the radio spectrum in Norway.
RRC06: ATDI HELPS ADMINISTRATIONS TO A SMOOTH APPROVAL PROCESS: March 2006
ATDI's customers get best-in-class results at RRC06 for the agreement of the new digital broadcast plan: more than 30% of the countries were supported by ATDI's software suite and consulting services.
Keeping Austria Safe: January 2006
ATDI and RSI are supporting Tetron by supplying a vital tool to the country's emergency services communication network.
Planning in the air: July 2005
The next generation police communications networks covering the UK are close to full deployment with emergency services personnel enjoying the benefits of ubiquitous secure voice and data communications. ATDI's latest involvement with these networks, designing a pan-UK frequency plan for ground-to-air services, adds to an already extensive involvement with this project.
Measuring coverage compliance - part II: July 2005
Measurement of coverage in mobile networks is used to show performance to contract: demonstrating that coverage has been achieved. That demonstration requires the gathering of evidence to show that the service, as delineated in the requirements, has indeed been supplied.
This second article is a follow on to the earlier 'Defining Coverage' article.
Swedish Emergency Services opt for Libra: July 2005
A consortium lead by Saab and consisting of Nokia, Eltel Networks and Saab recently won the contract to supply the RAKEL (Radiocommunications for Effective Management) TETRA network system to the Swedish Public Safety Authorities (KBM).
BBC acquires map server and world mapping: July 2005
The BBC World Service has recently purchased ICS Map Server to assist them reduce planning time and develop elevation models. They anticipate that this will cut lead times for acquiring map data from weeks to a single day.
BT makes headway with Wireless Broadband: July 2005
Following a comprehensive evaluation and tendering activity, BT has chosen ATDI as its supplier of wireless broadband planning and modelling software and associated consultancy services.
Planning tools extended to the hobby sector: April 2005
The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), the amateur radio representative body, have recently taken delivery of a copy of Hertz Mapper from ATDI to aid the planning of the extensive network of repeaters around the country.
BT Paging nationwide network design - part III: March 2005
ATDI have completed a comprehensive network verification survey during which perceived quality and field strength measurements from the BT Cellnet high speed Flex 6400 bits per second paging system were gathered across a total route length of 25,000km of the UK.
Trading, Liberalisation & Spectrum Commons - Impact for future services: January 2005
With significant changes being made to the management of the spectrum in the future, the UK must consider the implications for all parties in trading, liberalisation and use of spectrum commons.
This article outlines some of the benefits and pitfalls this market charge will bring.
Defining Coverage - part I: January 2005
Coverage is something of a "hip" word - you'll often hear teenagers talk about it, radio engineers bandy it about and yet few really understand its real impact. In our business it is probably the most poorly defined word there is. This article aims to develop a clear definition and dispel some of the myths surrounding the term.
Meeting Military Challenges: January 2005
Fact#1: ATDI derives a substantial part of its turnover from the military sector.
Fact#2: For the most part, and for obvious reasons, we are not able to discuss any projects completed, advertise satisfied customers nor describe any of the software systems supplied.
This article highlights, in abstract, some of the recent projects completed by ATDI.
Norwegian Telecom Regulator Adopts Next-Generation Spectrum Management Solution: January 2005
The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT) is the latest regulatory body to adopt a next-generation spectrum management IT system from specialist British supplier ATDI. The system will enable NPT to plan and licence all future stations using the radio spectrum in Norway, and allow the Norwegian regulator to co-ordinate its use of the spectrum with other Scandinavian regulators, as well as those as far afield as the United Kingdom and Germany.
ICS Telecom supports Telabria's Next Generation Networks: January 2005
Telabria, the award-winning wireless network operator, has recently taken delivery of an ICS Telecom modelling and planning system from ATDI. The system will be used to improve Telabria's capabilities in implementing 2.4GHz/5.8GHz 802.11 and 802.16 based broadband systems.
High Profile Partners: January 2005
ATDI along with UK companies ESYS, Schema and Mott MacDonald recently formed a partnership offering a complete range of telecommunications consultancy services. Initially, the consortium was formed to bid into Ofcom, the newly formed UK telecommunications regulator. Tenders released in mid-2004 were to appoint a number of preferred consultancy suppliers. The four principals of the partnership recognise the wider benefits of its creation and now aim to work together on future opportunities.
Review of Wireless Broadband Forum, November 2004: January 2005
The wireless broadband forum held in Cambridge, UK in November showed just how much the fixed wireless industry of the late 1990's has evolved. However it also illustrated how little has really changed to meet the new, more mature demands of 2005 and beyond. This article looks at these similarities and differences concluding with a short paragraph on the way ahead for radio modelling in WLAN, WiMAX and other emerging technologies.
ATDI looks to space for next generation cartography solution: December 2004
Leading radiocommunications solutions provider ATDI is now able to supply digital terrain models of the majority of the world that incorporate greater resolution than ever before available from public sources, using the data supplied by NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM).
ATDI Technology on the Web: September 2004
Two web applications using ATDI's ICS Telecom technology and a calculator have been added to the ATDI website - www.atdi.co.uk
End of the line for cellular coverage gaps on trains: June 2004
Ever used your mobile phone on a train and lost your signal at a crucial point in the conversation? It's a frustrating problem facing millions of commuters every day and until now, one that has not been addressed effectively. ATDI has joined forces with Atkins Telecoms to develop a detailed methodology to address this long standing problem for cellular network operators and train operators alike. To augment ATDI's network modelling and radio surveying skills, Atkins Telecoms bring project management, mobile base station acquisition and design skills, railways expertise and `state of the art' geographic information modelling skills.
On top of spectrum trading: June 2004
A recent consultative document from Ofcom has outlined proposals to liberalise spectrum use by providing a mechanism for licencees to reconfigure their licences or change their use.
Radiocommunications and the avoidance of risk: June 2004
This title is a contradiction in terms - risk is pervasive in radiocommunications so avoiding it would appear at first sight to be impossible. So what is risk management in radiocommunications all about?
ATDI on track in Northern Ireland: June 2004
Translink, the main public transport provider for Northern Ireland, has contracted ATDI to carry out a verification analysis of its entire train radio network.
ATDI and broadband Britain: June 2004
As the British Government moves closer to its self-imposed deadline of ensuring that all government services are available electronically by 2005, so the race to connect UK communities to broadband services intensifies. This is particularly true for rural and remote areas, where people and buildings are disparately spread and the geography of the region is often very challenging.
Networking days focus on new automation tool: June 2004
Twenty three radiocommunications specialists, including several people from Ofcom, attended two of ATDI's increasingly popular User Group Meetings in April and May to hear about a new ATDI process automation tool that could save huge amounts of time and effort for radio planners everywhere.
Communications at the battle of Arnhem 'should have worked' says ATDI MD: June 2004
September of this year commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the World War II Battle of Arnhem. It is well documented that if Field Marshall 'Monty' Montgomery's daring plan, Operation 'Market Garden' had succeeded in September 1944, the Western Allies could have ploughed their way across one of the last great natural barriers between them and Germany, thus ending the Second World War by six months and saving countless lives on both sides.
GSM / 3G network planning - hitting the target with ICS Telecom: June 2004
An ambitious project to complete a GSM/3G network plan for large number of individual cities across a country as well as a national plan for the whole territory within just ten working days has been delivered on time by ATDI using its high powered, industry-standard ICS Telecom software.
Spectrum Management - Ofcom contracts ATDI for next phase of MASTS analysis: June 2004
Following the successful work carried out by ATDI to test and analyse the effectiveness of Ofcom's potentially revolutionary MASTS algorithm, (see previous edition of Contact) the regulator for the UK communications industries has commissioned ATDI to carry out further analyses to enable the effective use of the new spectrum management methodology.
Improved maintenance package launched: June 2004
Cut-price training, extended telephone & email support and a free ½ day on-site visit by an experienced ATDI engineer every six months are some of the key features of a new, improved technical support and maintenance package now being offered by ATDI.
Spectrum research news from Ofcom, the UK regulator: April 2004
Quotient Associates / ATDI and Indepen / Aegis Systems reports on the international framework of spectrum management.
ATDI aids telecom industry get the most out of spectrum: March 2004
Leading radiocommunications solutions provider ATDI, in partnership with telecommunications consultancy Quotient Associates, has been working on a contract for Ofcom to analyse the opportunities for British Industry to make greater autonomous use of the radio spectrum.
Thames Valley Police checks Airwave with new surveying equipment from ATDI: February 2004
Thames Valley Police force has bought two Gemini™ systems and one Libra™ upgrade from ATDI to enable it to establish a dedicated radio network surveying resource for the new radio network due to be put into service later this year.
Getting the most out of spectrum: February 2004
ATDI, in partnership with telecommunications consultancy Quotient Associates, has been working on a contract for Ofcom to analyse the opportunities for British Industry to make greater autonomous use of the radio spectrum.
Macro recorder: February 2004
ATDI is shortly to release an add-on component to allow the customisation and automation of its series of software applications. It is part of a development programme which will spawn several new products.
ESAT BT in 3G with ICS Telecom: February 2004
Southern Ireland based Esat BT, a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK telecoms operator, BT plc, is another example of a diverse customer benefiting from ATDI software and expertise.
Will the next WiFi hotspot be on Mars?: February 2004
Specialised industries, such as the military or space industries, are increasingly using solutions based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. It is a way to reduce costs and deployment time of new systems.
A View from the top: A case for modelling: January 2004
Leading radiocommunications solutions provider ATDI has become an Institution of Electrical Engineers "Endorsed Provider", meaning that engineers attending ATDI training courses can be confident that the training they will receive is of the highest quality for their professional development.
Staffs Police seek verification: January 2004
ATDI has been contracted to undertake a verification analysis for the UK county of Staffordshire's Police force to ensure that the force's commissioning of the O2 Airwave system, mm02's advanced TETRA-based communications network for the emergency services, meets all of its radio requirements. ATDI is using its ICS Telecom software, tailored with specific coding, to undertake the study.
ATDI gives green light to new spectrum management tool: December 2003
The relentless drive for efficiency in the spectrum management market has led the Government's Radiocommunications Agency (RA) to develop a revolutionary new algorithm that will ensure all frequency sharers in the Land Mobile Radio service receive a consistent and acceptable Quality of Service throughout the lives of their systems.
Old Subject, New Understanding: December 2003
Leading radiocommunications solutions provider ATDI has signed an agreement with global technology giant EADS that will enable the company's industry-standard radio planning and modelling tools sold into all EADS divisions and to all EADS customers throughout Germany, giving plans for a German office of ATDI a significant boost.
ATDI launches new version of HTZ Warfare military radio planning system: November 2003
Leading radiocommunications solutions provider ATDI has launched Version 12 of its renowned military radio planning system, HTZ Warfare.
Co-ordinating the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland networks: November 2003
When Motorola won the contracts to supply the radio networks to both the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man Government, it was soon realised that due to the geographical proximity of the two users there would be a high likelihood of mutual interference.
MoD awards PBSMS provisioning contract: ATDI joins with Logica to deliver: October 2003
The PBSMS (Pilot Battlefield Spectrum Management System) capability is required in order to optimise the electromagnetic spectrum within the operational battle space, at a time when electromagnetic spectrum is under pressure globally. It will be used to evaluate the spectrum management process and inform the requirements documentation for the mature BSMS, which has a required in-service date of 2007.
New solution to improve HF planning: October 2003
Radiocommunications professionals are often so used to being attached to terrestrial networks operating in the VHF and UHF bands that it is quite easy to overlook other important areas of the spectrum, in particular, High Frequency (HF).
Logica-ATDI team wins MOD pilot spectrum management contract: July 2003
Logica recently announced a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), won through Competitive Tender, to enhance its battlespace capabilities through the development and implementation of a Pilot Battlespace Spectrum Management System (PBSMS).
''On the move'' radio planning - new function in HTZ Warfare: July 2003
ATDI has incorporated an on-the-move (OTM) function in HTZ Warfare, its flagship military modelling platform.
Coordinating the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland Networks: April 2003
When Motorola won the contracts to supply the radio networks to both the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Isle of Man Government, it was soon realised that due to the geographical proximity of the two users there would be a high likelihood of mutual interference.
ATDI provides flexible solution for defence agency: January 2003
When the UK Defence Communication Services Agency (DCSA) decided it needed a one-stop planning and mapping solution - along with the latest training for its own in-house engineers - it immediately turned to ATDI.
Kickstarting BFWA licencing: January 2003
The broadband fixed wireless access business worldwide has gone through hell in the last few years. Initially the dot com bubble caused substantial growth and new telecommunication companies started up to deliver broadband services to large and small organisations.
Indoor network design for WiFi applications: January 2003
ICS Telecom, ATDI's flagship network planning tool, has been extended to incorporate indoor network deployment functions for WiFi and other confined space applications including IEEE 802.11-b systems.
ICS Telecom at the heart of Your Communications - part II: October 2002
Your Communications understand that building and upgrading a BFWA infrastructure is no mean feat. It is here that they have grown to rely on the features of ATDI's ICS Telecom.
Kent Police plan to coast the Airwave with help of ATDI: October 2002
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OSCE take ICS Telecom for Kosovo: April 2002
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe has recently taken delivery of one ICS Telecom system for use by their mission in Kosovo (OMIK) operated in partnership with the United Nations.
JFMG - a licence to entertain: March 2002
JFMG are responsible for licensing Programme Making and Special events. In order to provide a more automated approach they turned to ATDI to support this functionality online.
Better communications for London Bus network: March 2002
After a technical review of London's bus radio, automatic vehicle location and Countdown passenger information system which found that whilst the system was fundamentally sound, its performance needed to be improved to meet a changing requirement specification. This article outlines the support given to London Buses from ATDI.
Deploying BWA in Germany: January 2002
When Nortel Networks asked ATDI to take responsibility for radio planning of a nationwide deployment of their Reunion product across Germany for Star 21, John Berry, ATDI's MD, was confident that the task was well within his company's competence but equally he realised the job did require some careful attention to detail.
ICS Telecom at the heart of Your Communications - part I: April 2001
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Radiocommunications Agency purchase site-wide license: April 2001
Following individual supply of both HTZ Simulation and ICS Telecom over the past six years, the UK Radiocommunications Agency (RA) has taken delivery of a suite of ICS Telecom decision support tools to be used across the organisation.
Planning for perfection in air traffic control: January 2001
Commercial aviation is one of the most safety-critical aspects of modern life, and this is especially true for communications. Just as airspace is under pressure from ever-increasing demands, so is the portion of the radio spectrum most used by the aeronautical industry. These systems have to coexist with terrestrial transmissions, which increasingly impinge on the aviation spectrum.
HTZ Warfare (Radar) tool models MSSR performance: April 2000
Raytheon Systems Ltd has recently acquired the HTZ Warfare (radar) tool from ATDI Ltd, for use in coverage prediction for Raytheon's world bearing Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radars (MSSR).
ATDI and Radica Broadcast join forces: April 2000
Radica Broadcast and ATDI join forces to complete a study to find a transmitting location for the newly licensed independentlocal radio service, HertBeat FM.
Nortel Networks in licence bids: March 2000
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Microwave network operator increases efficiency: March 2000
When MLL Telecom needed a solution for responding to in excess of 400 sales enquires a month throughout its operating companies it turned to ATDI for a microwave network-planning tool, which also included GIS functionality to allow a marketing input and analysis.
Broadcast Regulation at the Radio Authority: April 1999
The Radio Authority have recently taken delivery of a suite of ICS Telecom tools to support its frequency management function for the sound broadcast licences which it plans and regulates.
Spectrum Management in Ireland: April 1999
ATDI are pleased to announce that they have won a significant order for the provision of spectrum management decision making tools and their integration into a spectrum management system for the Irish Telecommunications Regulator.
BT Paging nationwide network design - part IV: March 1999
This article outlines the the contract to enhance BTs Mobile paging network to allow transmission of Flex 6400 high speed signalling. ATDI supported BT mobile by creating the outline design for the network and completing subsequent network optimisation.
Garda purchase ICS Telecom v.4: March 1999
To allow planning for future mobile and fixed telecommunications networks including TETRA, the Garda Siochana, (the Irish Police service), have recently taken delivery of ICS Telecom.
CSDT goes live at the BT Mobile Call Centre: March 1999
BT Mobile contracted ATDI to install a network of their Customer Services Display Tools at their customer services call centre.
BT Paging nationwide network design - part II: January 1999
Following the success of the network planning activity, BT Mobile has recently contracted ATDI to go on to prove the performance of the network following installation.
