[FedCom] Federal User's Nextel/Sprint IDEN New Hybrid System

[Tom Greenwood]

Contrary to belief, the IDEN and the Sprint systems are encrypted however,
both using different encryption schemes.  The Sprint system conforms to the
IS-95 standard and the subsequent standards known as CDMA 2000 and 1Xrtt.
Basic encryption is performed based upon what is known as the long code that
uses the Mobile ID Number (MIN) as the key to the encryption code. Somewhere
I have the repeat length of the encryption code, but it is an absurdly long
time.  The short code is what is used to cause the spreading of the
encrypted voice/data signal over the 1.25 MHz signal used by CDMA.  The
encryption technology for Nextel I am less clear on.

In the future, expect that users that eventually migrate to the next
derivative of CDMA technology, EVDO Rev. A, will be using Voice Over IP
technology.  Also, my crystal ball tells me that once rebanding is
completed, the Nextel system will eventually phase out IDEN in favor of CDMA
technologies in the 850 MHz spectrum.  Remaining IDEN users will be migrated
up to 900 MHz spectrum.  Also, expect to see federal agencies migrate to
other wireless carriers in the future as word on the street is that they are
not very please with Nextel coverage.  PTT is now available with all
carriers except for T-Mobile.

It's a fast and changing technological world out there!

73's

Tom, N1JQB

-----Original Message-----
From: fedcom-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:fedcom-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ken
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 19:20
To: Discussion of Federal Government Communications
Subject: Re: [FedCom] Federal User's Nextel/Sprint IDEN New Hybrid
System


Interestingly I got an email today at work about the new Sprint/Nextel
Hybrid system that is being introduced.  Apparently Sprint is combining
sites & electronically improving sites to expand coverage.  Although not
encrypted, there isn't a scanner on the market today that can decode these
transmissions.

Apparently the new Sprint hybrid system will keep Sprint subscribers on
Sprint digital cellphone with access to nationwide walkie talkie (formerly
Nextel "direct connect") that nextel users have access to

If you go to the Sprint map page  (click on "hybrid" after entering zip
code)
http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/coverage/PhoneZipEntry.jsp?ATR_ExtraOne=UH
P_PCS_Phones

I'm a bit confused as to whether nextel users will also get access to sprint
cellphone sites.

There's a lot of federal, state, & local government usage of Nextel
including the various federal investigative agencies.  What's been
interesting has been the development of "'Direct Talk' Off Network Walkie
Talkie, which allows basically the units to be used as w/t's, allegedly for
up to 6 miles (which I'm skeptical about) as well as the retention of
"Nationwide Walkie Talkie", "Group Walkie Talkie", etc.  see:
http://nextelonline.nextel.com/en/services/walkietalkie/overview.shtml
which IMHO has impacted in the past the amount of radio communications
traffic monitored on investigative agencies radio systems.

I've noted on one recently new federal/local law enforcement reality series
(DSC, Thursdays, 2000 hrs local)  that the USMS seems to use nextel's while
enroute to a raid or surveillance BUT changes to their radio system when "on
scene" for the actual operation.

Would be interested to hear from anyone who has direct experience using the
off network option direct talk function.  Also other comments on federal
nextel usage in your respective areas.
Here in Springfield MA it appears that the IRS-CID, FBI, & DEA are using
Nextel's (based upon TV news footage of these agencies over the last year or
so).

BTW to get an idea of the different nextel portables in use see:
http://nextelonline.nextel.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/DisplayPhones
(not use if the feds have some different models, but I doubt)

Ken




----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Kenyon" <at649 at tcnet.org>
To: "Discussion of Federal Government Communications"
<fedcom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2005 1:41 PM
Subject: Re: [FedCom] Federal User's Nextel/Sprint IDEN?


>i knew that IDEN isn't encrypted


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