One of the challenges identified in our last posting http://community.controlglobal.com/content/mobile-communications-gdp was the increasing demand on the 2.4 GHz bands to be all things to all people and that unfortunately, IEEE 802.15.4  is further hindered by the restrictions put on the radios.  One possible solution is to migrate to a different unlicensed frequency band such as the 60 GHz frequency band, which has 5-mm wavelengths.

The December issue of IEEE Spectrum had a small lead about the following Open Source attempt to hack the GSM phone system. The full article can be found at http://spectrum.ieee.org/telecom/wireless/open-source-effort-to-hack-gsm/0.

"FEMA is planning for a voluntary preparedness accreditation and certification program mandated by Title IX of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. They intend to establish a common set of criteria for private sector preparedness, including disaster management, emergency management, and business continuity programs. The goal of this voluntary program is to enhance nationwide resilience in an all hazards environment by improving private sector preparedness. Participation in the program will be volunt...