What is MSWIN?
MSWIN (Mississippi Wireless Information Network) is a 700 MHz voice and data network that utilizes state-of-the-art trunked technology to provide statewide interoperability in digital clarity to its subscribers throughout Mississippi.
Who maintains the radio equipment after purchase?
The subscriber is responsible for their own radio equipment maintenance after purchase.
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs to the MSWIN system?
The Wireless Communication Commission (WCC) is responsible for oversight, maintenance and repair of the MSWIN system.
Is there a guarantee for MSWIN radio coverage?
MSWIN has a 97 percent all-weather, mobile radio coverage guarantee. Portable radio coverage is not guaranteed, however, a benchmark test has been conducted and has produced above-average results in many regions of the state.
How can an agency join MSWIN?
Joining MSWIN is a simple process that begins with a basic telephone call or e-mail. Please see our MSWIN User page for more details on the process of joining MSWIN.
What is communications interoperability?
In general, interoperability refers to the ability of emergency responders to work seamlessly with other systems or products without any special effort. Wireless communications interoperability specifically refers to the ability of emergency response officials to share information via voice and data signals on demand, in real time, when needed, and as authorized. For example, when communication systems are interoperable, police and firefighters responding to a routine incident can talk to each other to coordinate efforts. Communications interoperability also makes it possible for emergency response agencies responding to catastrophic accidents or disasters to work effectively together. Finally, it allows emergency response personnel to maximize resources in planning for major predictable events such as the State Fair or an inauguration, or for disaster relief and recovery efforts.
What is P-25?
Project 25 (P-25) defines a suite of standards for a digital wireless radio communications system to be used by the emergency response community. To allow multiple vendors to supply the products and services to the communications system users, the Project 25 system has eight interfaces for which standards are or will be developed. Each interface allows the products of one manufacturer to interoperate with products of other manufacturers by defining the signaling and messages that cross the interface. For example, an agency could purchase P-25 portable radios from one or more vendors, mobile radios from other vendors, the base stations from others, and dispatch consoles from still other vendors; all would have the features the agency needs to accomplish its mission, and all would interoperate under the P-25 standards.
Why can't I "just listen" in to a conversation that is happening elsewhere in the state?
Listening to a talkgroup that is active outside your local area for the purpose of "just listening" is prohibited. The "dragging" of communication traffic from one area of the state to another area takes precious channel resources out of action for others to use. Only listen to your designated/authorized talkgroups.
What is a "Talkgroup"?
A talkgroup is to a trunked radio system (MSWIN) as a channel is to a conventional radio system. It is a talk path with a pre-determined name. The terms talkgroup and channel are sometimes used interchangeably on a MSWIN radio because that radio can access trunked system talkgroups and conventional channels, as in the 700/800 national mutual aid channels.
I have heard the term "Site Trunking" in correlation with a MSWIN network failure, what does this mean?
"Site Trunking" is displayed on a radio when the MSWIN tower site that your radio is associated with loses connectivity with the rest of the network in the state. When a site goes into Site Trunking, all of the radios associated with that site can still potentially communicate with each other as long as users are on the same talkgroup, but they cannot communicate with any radio that is not "associated" with that site. If one of the soft keys (buttons) is configured to scan for MSWIN sites (towers) you can press and hold that button and the radio may be able to "associate" with another site. If it does "associate" with another site, you will not be able to communicate with the radios on the "site trunking" site.
What is the range of a MSWIN portable radio?
MSWIN is designed to provide statewide mobile radio coverage; however most areas across the state have portable radio coverage. There is no real way to pre-determine range for a portable radio - it is dependent on topography, foliage density, building density, etc.
How can I receive additional information regarding the MSWIN project?
Additional information regarding MSWIN can be found at the following Web site: www.wcc.ms.gov.
Are the statewide talkgroups monitored 24 hours per day?
The only talkgroup that is guaranteed to be monitored is the ST SE CMN talkgroup. It is used as the statewide hailing channel and is monitored by multiple agencies (UMC-MEDCOM, DWFP, MEMA, MDOT LAW, MHP) 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
What are the 700/800 National Mutual Aid (MA) channels?
After the events of 9/11 and again after Hurricane Katrina the lack of designated interoperable channels for responding agencies was addressed by a number of organizations. The FCC, NPSPAC, and NPSTC worked together to identify frequencies in all common public safety radio bands and to assign them standard nationwide names. That process lead to the creation, in 2009, of an ANSI standard designating these channels and their names. The current Special Events Template contains 700 and 800 MHz MA channels.