Feb 5, 2009 2:11 PM, By Mary Rose Roberts

Delaware state officials chose Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems for the design and installation of a statewide interoperable radio communications system, said a Tyco Electronics’ spokesperson.

The statewide communications system will be built on Tyco Electronics’ VIDA (Voice, Interoperability, Data, Access) IP-based interoperable radio communications platform that supports the Project 25 digital radio standards, said Jim Magee, the company’s northwest regional sales manager. The multi-site, 700 MHz system will leverage Tyco’s NetworkFirst packet-switched voice communications technology to interoperate with the state’s existing 800 MHz system, as well as systems outside the state.

“The networks will link agencies with Delaware’s legacy 800 MHz radio system to other local, state and federal agencies, including the South East Counter Terrorism Task Force NetworkFirst system in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as Maryland’s Eastern Shore Network,” Magee said.

It took a year-and-a-half to design the system, Magee said. Its deployment involved piggybacking on the state’s existing microwave system and related infrastructure and connecting to 10 tower transmitter sites that hold four channels at each site. The system includes an IP-management platform, IP consoles, and networking technology that is compliant with both the P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 standards.

“Delaware really wanted to leverage next-generation technology, P25 Phase 2, so they won’t have to worry about replacing the equipment five-years from now,” Magee said.

The deployment is expected to be completed by September 2010, Magee said.

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