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The PSERN Project is currently hiring four (4) Electronic Communications Specialists to perform DAS (Distributed Antenna System) quality assurance work for the DAS transition activities, including Uplink Validation to the new PSERN System. This is a great opportunity for highly skilled technicians to gain regional experience. The positions may last through July 2023 (up to 24 months). See the job posting for more information.
In May, the Project began conducting Coverage Testing of radio communications within the new PSERN system. As of early July, the BER (Bit Error Rate) signal quality testing of metropolitan areas has been completed and initial indications showing successful results. There are however some areas with access challenges, such as remote private roads, that remain untested, so steps are underway to determine if access can be obtained to test those areas. The second portion of Coverage Testing, the DAQ (Delivered Audio Quality) or “Can you hear me now?” testing is currently occurring and scheduled to continue through October. The Project has been experiencing challenges with testing staff retention and hiring, but due to expanded and ongoing recruitment, adequate staffing is now allowing for all testing teams to be out in the field. Official results of both BER and DAQ testing will be shared when all testing is complete.
There is extensive testing being conducted by the Project to ensure that PSERN meets the system requirements for radio end-user agencies. At this point, 5 of the 13 major tests have been completed and the remainder are scheduled or pending. Review the PSERN Testing Overview for status and information on each test.
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Dates are accurate as of 7/22/21:
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Site Construction: April 2016 - September 2021 (building radio towers and infrastructure)
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Programming Templates: October 2019 - November 2021 (developing/programming per radio)
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Radio Frequency Coverage Testing: March 2021 - November 2021 (testing end-user signal quality)
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Radio End-User Pilot Testing: December 2021 - January 2022 (proof of concept end-user testing)
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Radio Deployment & Transition: January 2022 - October 2022 (distribution of agency radios)
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Full System Acceptance: March 2023 (transition operations to PSERN Operator)
*New since last month
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The Project is pleased to announce that all 66 legal agreements for site acquisition have now been executed, which is a significant milestone! This work included revising existing leases, establishing new leases, and coordinating with a variety of agencies, as well as landlords, to negotiate terms acceptable to all parties. There are a total of 61 construction sites, some requiring multiple legal agreements, and site development of new radio towers, shelters, off-grid generators, and upgrading of existing towers had been underway since 2016. The Project experienced some delays last year due to wildfire, COVID-19, and supply chain impacts, which prevented work from finishing prior to the 2020 winter blackout. Once sites became accessible after winter blackout, a few sites were found to have incurred damage due to excessive snowpack. Redesign and construction on the damaged structures is in progress to ensure they can withstand weather conditions. The remaining construction is expected to be substantially complete at all 61 construction sites by the fall, with two of the three remaining sites finishing this month.
The PSERN Operator was formed in March of this year and its Board of Directors has been meeting monthly. In addition to the procedural setup of the new nonprofit organization, the Board has now selected an insurance program and legal representation for the PSERN Operator. The process of recruitment for a PSERN Operator Executive Director is also in progress and the Board hopes to make a decision on hiring in early August. Once that Executive Director role is filled, the individual will lead the next set of policy decisions, including planning initial staffing and determination of services to contract. The PSERN Operator Board of Directors monthly meeting is open to the public and meeting information can be found here.
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