August 20, 2013
Motorola Solutions to Develop Interoperable Public Safety Radio System for the Los Angeles Region
Spanning more than 4,000 square miles, the Los Angeles region has something for everyone, from mountains to deserts, and from coastlines to urban centers. However, this geographic diversity also presents operational challenges to the more than 34,000 law enforcement, fire service and health service professionals at more than 80 public safety agencies, which support the area and its ten million residents and 26 million annual visitors.
Recognizing that first responders from different agencies often are called to respond to an incident, the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System Authority (LA-RICS) has selected Motorola Solutions to develop a new land-mobile radio system so the area’s public safety agencies can effectively talk to one another on a dedicated network. LA-RICS awarded a contract to Motorola, which, if all of the unilateral options are exercised, will provide for a $280 million, multiyear contract to design, construct and maintain the system.
As it’s implemented during the next five years, the system will provide first responders across the Los Angeles area with secure, mission-critical, interoperable communications. It also will connect them to regional, state and federal agencies during natural disasters and other widespread emergencies.
“We recognize the region places a high priority on supporting public safety agencies and helping them address their unique emergency preparedness and security needs,” Greg Brown, chairman and chief executive officer of Motorola Solutions, said. “We appreciate being selected for this project, and are looking forward to putting Motorola Solutions’ experience and know-how to work for the public safety professionals who serve and protect the millions of people in the Los Angeles area.”
Motorola will deploy its ASTRO® 25 mission-critical Phase 2 700 MHz and UHF digital radio system in Los Angeles. The APCO Project 25 (P25) standards-based technology enables real-time interoperable communications to support day-to-day, mutual aid and task force operations. In addition, the system’s modular and scalable design will provide a roadmap of enhanced capabilities for the region’s first responders long into the future.