Backhaul: the industry 25 and 10 years ago (November 2017)

25 YEARS AGO. The cover of the December/January 1992–93 issue of What’s New in Radio Communications featured the C Holden Intercommunications range of headsets developed by Greg Ackman, managing director of Sydney-based Mobile One and Carl Holden, a sound recording engineer and ultralight aircraft flying instructor. Inside the magazine, Hewlett-Packard’s Helen Shanahan presented an article on the operation and testing of MPT 1327 systems, while David Picken (Rhode & Schwarz) explained the technical features and measurement requirements of GSM. We also reported on the Queensland Fire Service commissioning Omnitronics’ 900 radio control matrix and 9200 telemetry SCADA monitoring equipment; OTC introducing Inmarsat Satcom-M and -B services; Stanilite Pacific’s $2.5 million acquisition of Queensland-based TR Services; Bassett Consulting Engineers being awarded a contract by Telecom Australia to provide mechanical and electrical engineering expertise for the Jindalee Operational Radar Network; and OTC Maritime being selected to help China introduce the Global Maritime Distress & Safety System.

10 YEARS AGO. The cover of the November/December 2007 issue of Radio Comms Asia-Pacific featured the Simoco SRM9000 and SRP9100 radios, capable of P25 and MPT 1327 operation, and fully designed and programmed in Australia by TMC Radio. Inside the magazine, we reported on the slow pace of progress toward LTE; the demystifying of RF spectrum interference problems; the importance of getting repeaters sites right; and how to interpret space weather observations. We also reported on Peter van Rij being appointed chairman of Tait Electronics following the death of the company’s founder, Sir Angus Tait; and an experimental VLF digital two-way radio system that can send signals to miners up to 300 m below ground. Paul Elmes (Tait Electronics) went in to bat for mobile radio’s importance during natural disasters. And the Queensland Government was advertising for communications technicians to join its various emergency services agencies.