EADS Secure Networks North America Has a Key Role in New Government-Certified Laboratory for P25 Radio Interoperability Testing

FRISCO, TX--(Marketwire - May 12, 2009) - One of the first U.S. government-approved laboratories for the interoperability testing of P25 emergency radio communications systems will be available for industry use beginning this summer as the result of a joint effort by EADS Secure Networks North America and Tait Radio Communications.

The laboratory was named this week as a recognized P25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP) facility by a government approval process, which was established under a partnership of the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the P25 radio industry and the emergency response community. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that agencies -- especially those receiving federal grants for interoperable communications -- purchase equipment that has passed P25 CAP testing.

Located at Tait Radio Communications' Houston, Texas facility, the joint laboratory will be available for compatibility testing with P25-standard equipment produced by the company and other industry suppliers.

"This new laboratory will become an important tool in helping first responder agencies throughout the country realize the vision of the P25 standards process," said Steve Shanck, the Executive Vice President-General Manager of EADS Secure Networks North America. "Our joint interoperability testing endeavor with Tait Radio Communications is part of EADS Secure Networks North America's commitment to facilitating the introduction of P25-standard equipment at the local, state and national levels."

P25 public safety radio communications standards were established to ensure communications interoperability for first responders at the scene of an emergency or disaster situation. This effort -- known as Project 25 -- is supported by industry, government agencies and public safety communications officials -- including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Communications System, the Department of Defense, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

The P25 CAP program helps assure P25-standard equipment purchasers that radios and networks from participating manufacturers will work seamlessly.

"Tait is pleased to be among the first to possess a lab which is recognized for the full suite of tests that are specified under the P25 Compliance Assessment Program," said Tait North America President Steve Cragg. "Public safety and government agencies can collaborate effectively and taxpayers' dollars are saved because freedom to choose is maintained in a multi-vendor environment."

With the Tait laboratory's government approval, the joint facility will be able to conduct interoperability testing required to issue Supplier's Declarations of Compliance (SDoCs) for P25-standard equipment. The P25 CAP laboratory will undertake joint interoperability testing on Tait P25 equipment, network controllers from EADS Secure Networks North America, and also will test interoperability with mobiles and portables of a variety of manufacturers.

About EADS Secure Networks North America, a division of PlantCML (www.eads-ps.com)

EADS Secure Networks North America, a division of industry leader PlantCML (a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS North America), provides interoperable, professional mobile radio communications solutions to the mission-critical environment. Today, PlantCML is pioneering the next generation of public safety and secure network communications through Voice over IP-enabled applications, interoperable P25 radio systems and advanced emergency notification technologies. EADS Secure Networks North America's technical center of excellence is located in Frisco, Texas.

About Tait Radio Communications (www.taitworld.com)

Tait Radio Communications is a global leader in designing and delivering radio solutions which are the right fit for a variety of industries including; public safety agencies, government services, utilities and urban transport providers. Across the world, users of Tait products and services are better able to protect themselves and the public, be more responsive and more efficient.

Contact Information: Media contacts: Tami Timperio Vice President, Global Marketing Communications PlantCML®, an EADS North America Company Tel: 951-719-2423 E-MAIL: Paul Middleton VP of Marketing Tait Radio Communications 15740 Park Row, Suite 450 Houston, Texas 77084 Tel: 281 829-3300 Ext. 8261