MONTREAL, Aug. 10, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) announced during the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Annual Conference that it has expanded its dispatch radio network to include a cross-band interface from Raytheon JPS Communications.
The JPS ACU-1000, a proven interface on terrestrial radio networks, will now operate over MSV's two-way satellite dispatch radio network. The interface will provide emergency responders the ability to instantly communicate with their command units and to each other when responding to an emergency outside the normal coverage area. "This enhancement will greatly facilitate interagency communications among key federal and state users of MSV's dispatch radio service, while enabling non-participating agencies to gain access to our network during emergency-response situations," says Austin Comerton, channel manager for MSV.
The ACU-1000 enables disparate audio devices to communicate with each other without replacing current investments and infrastructure. Agencies on the scene of an emergency that need to tie into an MSV talkgroup can simply plug their base station into a JPS unit connected to an MSV terminal. "The ability to interface with MSV's satellite dispatch system represents a substantial increase in communications capabilities for first responders. The combined MSV and JPS technologies have markedly increased the scope of interoperability coverage," said Jeff Critser, vice president and general manager of Raytheon JPS Communications. MSV has the only dispatch radio network that provides coverage across North America and allows for multiple public safety agencies to communicate over a single, secure channel.
About JPS Communications JPS Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company, designs, manufactures and sells electronic hardware and software products that enhance the effectiveness of communications systems. The company's mission is to extend communications capabilities through the use of advanced digital technology. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, the company's focus is on Radio Interconnect Products, which facilitate communications between HF, VHF/UHF, 800 Trunked, and various other media such as cellular, NEXTEL, landline telephone and SATCOM.
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2003 sales of $18.1 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 78,000 people worldwide.
About MSV
Mobile Satellite Ventures is North America's premier provider of mobile satellite communications. Delivering service since 1996, MSV offers customers a wide choice of wireless data, voice, fax and dispatch radio services via its two MSAT satellites. MSV provides superior capacity and reliability for customers across North America, northern South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Hawaii and in coastal waters. MSV is dedicated to developing the next generation hybrid wireless network over North America that will utilize a powerful satellite constellation working in unison with MSV's patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology to deliver seamless wireless services to end-users over standard wireless devices.
MSV is headquartered in Reston VA with an office in Ottawa ON. For more information, visit MSV online at www.msvlp.com.
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