M/A-COM Implements First Responder Interoperability Network Pilot for State of Texas

M/A-COM Implements First Responder Interoperability Network Pilot for State of Texas

IP-Based Network Interoperability Solution Successfully Demonstrates Voice and Data Capabilities, and Provides Scalable Migration Path to Newest Technology

LOWELL, Mass., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- M/A-COM, Inc., a business unit of Tyco Electronics and a worldwide leader of critical radio communication systems, has implemented a pilot interoperability network in central Texas for public safety communications. Under the Public Safety Radio Communications Council's State of Texas Communications Interoperability Pilot Project, M/A-COM's interoperability solution connects various state and local public safety communications systems, manufactured by different vendors and operating in different frequency bands, to provide communication interoperability for first responders. This pilot project provides interoperability among Department of Public Safety (DPS) communications facilities and patrol operations in Austin, Waco and Lampasas, as well as with local public safety agencies, including the cities of Waco, Temple, Killeen and Belton and associated Bell County agencies.

The goals of the pilot project demonstrate the core capabilities of M/A- COM's VIDA (Voice, Interoperability, Data, Access) networking platform and leverage the company's well-known IP technology capabilities. In addition to the interoperability demonstrated by the pilot project, M/A-COM is demonstrating the flexibility and power of using an IP-backbone to implement new technologies, including high-speed Wi-Fi and the high efficiency 700 MHz spectrum, using the same network switching software and hardware for all.

"We are honored to provide our VIDA solution for the State of Texas' Interoperability Pilot Project and believe that our comprehensive IP-based technology offers the state the most efficient and cost-effective option for achieving a true future-ready state-wide communications interoperability system," said David Cerqua, director, state of Texas, M/A-COM, Inc. "VIDA is an end-to-end IP-based network with stable, flexible, fault-resistant system architecture that uses existing technology to deliver considerable cost savings to the state of Texas. As a result of this pilot, we believe Texas communications officials will agree that a VIDA IP-based network solution is a sound investment in Texas' future, and one which will serve and protect the state's first responders so that they, in turn, can focus on doing their jobs."

M/A-COM's Texas intra- and inter-agency communications pilot will consist of multiple access points throughout the test-bed area and includes more than 16 different talkpaths. The Network Switching Center (NSC) supports the main switching software and is deployed in a "split configuration" that physically separates redundant switches to eliminate a single point of failure and enable increased security. The primary NSC, located at the DPS headquarters in Austin, enables centralized processing of call information and related data, which is then re-distributed throughout the network.

A VIDA IP-based network solution enables the state to leverage existing IP network assets so that Texas will be able to utilize reliable services critical to public safety users. These include an intelligent, integrated communications facility hierarchy that will enable the state to shift calling loads from one communication facility to another, as well as user-directed interoperability, priority communication levels, user-defined talkgroups, and wide area data capabilities.

"We appreciate M/A-COM's willingness to participate in the State of Texas Interoperability Pilot Project," said Major Robert Burroughs of the Texas Department of Public Safety and member of the DPS Long Range Communications Planning Committee. "We believe that meeting the goals of our pilot project is critical for the long-term goals of public safety communications in the state of Texas. We have been encouraged by the potential of network-based communications technology and look forward to evaluating M/A-COM's solution in greater detail over the next several months."

M/A-COM, Inc., a business unit of Tyco Electronics, is a leading supplier of critical communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, federal and select commercial markets. Products range from the most advanced IP-based voice and data networks to traditional wireless systems to offer customers the highest levels of reliability, interoperability, scalability and security. M/A-COM is also a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of radio frequency (RF), microwave and millimeter wave solutions for the commercial wireless telecommunications, aerospace and defense industries. Headquartered in Lowell, Mass., M/A-COM has offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Information about M/A-COM can be found on the Web at http://www.macom.com/ or http://www.macom-wireless.com/ .

Tyco Electronics is a business segment of Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE:TYC)(NYSE:LSE:)(NYSE:TYI)(NYSE:BSX:)(NYSE:TYC). Tyco International Ltd. is a global, diversified company that provides vital products and services to customers in five business segments: Fire & Security, Electronics, Healthcare, Engineered Products & Services, and Plastics & Adhesives. With 2004 revenue of $40 billion, Tyco employs approximately 260,000 people worldwide. More information on Tyco can be found at http://www.tyco.com/ .

* M/A-COM and TYCO are trademarks.

* Other products, logos and Company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

For sales information, please contact:
M/A-COM, Inc.
1011 Pawtucket Blvd.
Lowell, MA 01853
United States - 1.800.528.7711
Canada - 1.800.368.3277
Middle East/Africa -- +1.434.455.9229
Asia/Pacific -- +1.434.455.9238
Europe -- +1.434.455.9238
Latin America -- +1.434.455.9236



Source: Tyco Electronics

CONTACT: Mike Ratcliff, Tyco Electronics, +1-717-592-2316, or
mike.ratcliff@tycoelectronics.com, or Dave Hutcheson, M/A-COM, Inc.,
+1-978-442-4047, or hutchesd@tycoelectronics.com

Web site: http://www.tyco.com/
http://www.macom.com/
http://www.macom-wireless.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/897850.html


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