Motorola releases Project-25 version of Astro

Motorola today released the Astro 25 trunked integrated voice and data system. The system, which is compliant with the Project 25 standard, provides public-safety organizations with both voice and data messaging over a single wireless communications infrastructure, the company said. The system also provides encryption key assignment over system radio channels and enhanced network security tools. The Astro 25 currently operates in the 700 MHz band for voice-only operation, and in the 800 MHz, UHF and VHF bands for voice-and-data operation. It supports seven zones and 20,000 data users, Motorola said.

In related news, Motorola announced a $151 million contract to build and operate an Astro 25 network that will be used for emergency communications in conjunction with the Commonwealth Games to be held in Melbourne, Australia, in 2006. Motorola expects to complete the network by April 2005, the company said.