Sunday, October 23, 2011

AT&T Teams with Harris on Public Safety LTE

AT&T and Harris announced an alliance to develop and deliver next generation public safety LTE solutions.
The companies are exploring opportunities to provide first responders with broadband and mission critical communications systems that will enable high-speed video and data solutions.


AT&T and Harris would bring extensive experience supporting public safety and government customers. Key deliverables would include:



  • A unified experience driven by integration of broadband and narrowband Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks


  • Multiple business models to fit agencies' needs and resources – from complete end-to-end network solutions to a subscriber-based model


  • Seamless roaming and nationwide interoperability using AT&T's 4G network when outside the public safety LTE network coverage area


  • Handheld, vehicle-mounted and peripheral LTE-compatible devices


  • Mission-critical broadband applications


  • Seamless access to both private and public networks for public safety agencies


  • Network management, applications and support systems


  • Integrated Broadband/Project 25 infrastructure and devices.


"This alliance is a first step toward making next-generation technology and services available to agencies who seek competitive options," said Chris Hill, AT&T Vice President of Advanced Business Solutions. "It's the beginning of a public safety ecosystem of open devices and applications interoperable with private broadband networks, as they become available." http://www.harris.com

  • In August, Harris Corporation, in partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks, has provided its 700 MHz LTE public safety network infrastructure to the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) testing lab in Boulder, Colorado. The solution is now operational within the 700 MHz Public Safety Broadband Demonstration Network. Harris noted that its 700 MHz LTE network support a wide range of existing and emerging high-bandwidth applications such as streaming video, advanced situational awareness and PTT (Push To Talk) voice-over-broadband features. The networks also provide users with priority and Quality of Service (QoS) controls, user authentication and air link encryption, advanced load balancing and Self-Optimizing Network Management.