Emergency communicationHarris deploys public safety communications system in Virginia

Harris Corporation has received a $10 million contract from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, to deploy a public safety digital communications system based on P25 Phase 2 standards. The Harris P25IP (Project 25 to the Power of Internet Protocol) 700 MHz radio system will provide secure communications for the more than 1,000 first responders across the county’s 978 square miles and will allow direct interoperability with neighboring jurisdictions, including local, state, and federal agencies. The company notes that this new system is one of the U.S. first P25 Phase 2 radio systems in deployment, bringing Pittsylvania County additional functionality such as increased efficiency in spectrum use and enhanced interoperability capability. The contract was awarded to Harris in the second quarter of its fiscal year 2012.

“Our extensive evaluation process determined that the Harris P25IP solution was the radio system best suited to support our public safety personnel in communicating during standard and mutual-aid emergency response situations,” said Jim Davis, emergency manager, Pittsylvania County. “Given the challenging geography of Pittsylvania County, having robust and reliable communications capabilities at our first responders’ fingertips is critical for their day-to-day operations. We’re certain that Harris technology is right for the job.”

Powered by the Harris VIDA network, the 8-tower site system will enable interoperable communication for Pittsylvania County first responders with surrounding agencies. The Harris P25IP system will be supported by 1,200 Harris mobile and portable radios, including the P7300 portable and the Unity XG-100P multi-band portable radio. The county also will deploy Harris’ trunked vehicular repeaters, capable of extending system coverage in both the 700 and 800 MHz frequencies.

“Harris demonstrated that it had the best understanding of Pittsylvania County’s critical applications, infrastructure and requirements, and that we designed a specific system that completely meets the county’s needs,” said Steve Marschilok, president, Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications. “The Harris P25IP solution will provide Pittsylvania first responders with world-class mission-critical voice and data capabilities, while meeting the county’s vast coverage requirements.”

The company says that Harris VIDA network platform is a unified IP-based voice and data communication system based on APCO P25 industry standards. VIDA delivers full IP management features, including interoperability without intervention of console operators; IP consoles; and other benefits inherent in open IP architecture systems.