F. A. Q. on GSM

Questions & Answers:

Question 1:

CLIN1 indicates that the core network is installed in an indoor cabinet rack.

Will the system also be used indoors or in a vehicle?

ANSWER: Mounted in an enclosed vehicle or enclosed trailer.

Question 2:

Will the antenna for the BTS be installed indoors, on a mast or rooftop?

ANSWER: On a mast.

Question 3:

Will the system be subject to vibration or shock?

ANSWER: Vibration protection robust enough to safely transport equipment from our facility to its operating location(s) and return via standard paved and improved dirt roads.

Question 4:

What are the operating temperature requirements?

ANSWER: NIB & BTS (-5 to 55 Celsius).

Question 5:

Is lightning protection required - (based on antenna deployment)?

ANSWER: Lightning protection is required in so far as the appropriate grounding terminals available for BTS/NIB rack and equipment. The actual grounding rod for the antenna is not required.

Question 6:

Can you confirm why there is a requirement for DTMF signaling between two mobiles on the GSM network?

ANSWER: DTMF between two mobiles on the GSM network is a legitimate government requirement of this acquisition.

Question 7:

DTMF is typically used for retrieving voicemail or navigating menu trees on customer support IVR's that are located outside of the GSM network.

ANSWER: Understood.

Question 8:

Is there a specific coverage range requirement for the BTS?

ANSWER: No

Question 9:

The variable power output is defined as up to 40Watts. We assume that this is before combining and duplexing the 2 x transceivers?

ANSWER: The 40 Watts is the power output at the antenna connection after combining and duplexing the 2 x transceivers.

Note: The receiver sensitivity

Question 10:

Do we need to include antenna masts, RF cables and antennas as part of the proposal?

ANSWER: No.

Question 11:

Do you want us to provide pricing for enhanced options that are available for the system - such as GPRS/EDGE packet data services, MLPP functionality?

ANSWER: No.

QUESTION 12:

For GSM 900/1800 support, is the solution required to be delivered as one or the other or does the solution need to be reconfigurable between the bands in the field?

ANSWER 12: One radio for each band (i.e. one radio for 900 MHz GSM and one radio for 1800 MHz GSM), with the system reconfigurable in the field(example: operate in the 900 MHz for a day, then operate in the 1800 MHz the following day -- reconfigured via the NIB).

Question 13:

Is there latitude in the size requirement of 24"x20"x18"? If the solution stays within the two person carry, 130lb but is physically larger is this acceptable?

ANSWER 13: The size is a fixed requirement of 24"x20"x18".

QUESTION 14:

Is the requirement for a dual band 900/1800MHz radio?

ANSWER 14: No, there is no requirement for a "dual band" radio; single band radios are preferred (i.e. one radio for 900MHz; one radio for 1800MHz).

QUESTION 15:

Is the requirement for a 900MHz EGSM TRX only?

ANSWER 15: No.

QUESTION 16:

Please specify the number of timeslots required for each TRX if dual band is required.

ANSWER 16: N/A ("Dual band" is not required).