M/A-COM and AMP Incorporated Announce Pennsylvania Statewide Public Safety Digital Radio Communications System Deployment

Strategic Insights -

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has signed a contract with M/A-COM and AMP Incorporated to deploy a state-of-the-art digital radio system, known as the OpenSky Wireless IP Network, for state-wide public safety communications. The new system will provide improved public safety communications, offering a comprehensive statewide public safety radio system that no other state has. The contract, valued at $95 Million, has been finalized and is expected to be completed by 2001. The system will employ OpenSky Wireless Internet Protocol (IP) network technology, providing a thoroughly modern digital voice and data radio communications network.

Key Takeaways:

  • The contract between M/A-COM and AMP Incorporated and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania calls for the deployment of a state-of-the-art digital radio system, the OpenSky Wireless IP Network, for statewide public safety communications.
  • The new system will provide improved public safety communications, offering a comprehensive statewide public safety radio system that no other state has.
  • The contract has a funded value of $95 Million over the next 18 months and is expected to be completed by 2001.
  • The OpenSky Wireless IP Network will employ OpenSky Wireless Internet Protocol (IP) network technology, providing a thoroughly modern digital voice and data radio communications network.
  • The system will be comprised of several hundred base stations, regional control centers, and network control centers, providing a voice and data interface between mobile or portable radios and dispatch centers.
  • The statewide system will serve as a template for a next-generation state and local communications systems, targeting major market segments such as public safety, transportation, utilities, and private mobile fleet management.
  • M/A-COM's OpenSky technology provides interoperability with analog radios, making it possible to cost-effectively plan radio upgrades or preserve the equipment of volunteer public safety units.
  • OpenSky's IP Backbone carries all voice messages in a compressed and encrypted format, providing scalability and cost-effective network expansion.

Statistics:

  • The contract has a funded value of $95 Million over the next 18 months.
  • The system will employ OpenSky Wireless Internet Protocol (IP) network technology, providing a thoroughly modern digital voice and data radio communications network.
  • The system will be comprised of several hundred base stations, regional control centers, and network control centers.
  • The statewide system is slated for final completion by 2001.
  • More than 2,800 people are employed at M/A-COM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tyco International Ltd.
  • M/A-COM has offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Sources:

  • "M/A-COM and AMP Incorporated Announce Pennsylvania Statewide Public Safety Digital Radio Communications System Deployment" (Business Wire, September 2, 1999)
  • M/A-COM, Inc. (www.macom.com)
  • AMP Incorporated (www.amp.com)
  • Tyco International Ltd. (www.tyco.com)