DALLAS and MELBOURNE, Fla., Oct.
24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and Harris Corporation
(NYSE: HRS) are forming an alliance to develop and deliver next
generation LTE wireless solutions for agencies and first responders
whose lifesaving efforts depend on timely access to critical
information.
Together, AT&T and Harris
are exploring opportunities to provide first responders with
broadband and mission critical communications systems that will
enable high-speed video and data solutions. Users would benefit
from network agility that delivers highly-secure, highly-reliable
connectivity where and when they need it.
AT&T and Harris would bring
extensive experience supporting public safety and government
customers, as well as expertise in broadband and mission critical
network construction and integration, interoperable device
manufacturing, and network service management. As a result of this
alliance, public safety agencies would benefit from:
- A unified experience driven by integration of broadband
and narrowband Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks
- Multiple business models to fit agencies' needs and resources –
from complete end-to-end network solutions to a subscriber-based
model
- Seamless roaming and nationwide interoperability using
AT&T's 4G network when outside the public safety LTE network
coverage area
- A broader portfolio of wireless devices and applications
designed for both commercial and public safety broadband
networks
"This alliance is a first step toward making next-generation
technology and services available to agencies who seek competitive
options," said Chris Hill, AT&T
Vice President of Advanced Business Solutions. "It's the beginning
of a public safety ecosystem of open devices and applications
interoperable with private broadband networks, as they become
available."
"Harris has extensive
experience in mission-critical communications, and a legacy of
bringing new technology, such as LTE to public safety and
government customers," said Steve
Marschilok, President of Harris Public Safety and
Professional Communications. "This alliance will look to expand the
choices for a growing set of solutions that can be deployed to
create an advanced, mission-critical broadband experience for
public safety."
Today's announcement is evidence of AT&T and Harris Corp.'s
longstanding support to create a national interoperable public
safety network that would allow public safety agencies more
cohesive voice and data communications both during emergencies and
day-to-day operations.
4G LTE technology provides several benefits, including faster
speeds and lower latency for delivering mission critical
information. With future public safety LTE solutions, emergency
dispatches could include a live video feed from traffic cameras to
help first responders assess the situation en route and could
enable mounted police officers to quickly retrieve a suspect's
information from a national database, using a tablet. The combined
offerings of Harris and AT&T
could further extend interoperability across existing narrowband
public safety LMR networks to private public safety and public
broadband networks.
As public safety agencies continue to adapt to communities that
increasingly are going mobile, and confront challenges where
actionable communications can improve situational awareness, the
companies plan to work together to explore opportunities to deliver
a set of solutions that include:
- Handheld, vehicle-mounted and peripheral LTE-compatible
devices
- Mission-critical broadband applications
- Seamless access to both private and public networks for public
safety agencies
- Network management, applications and support systems
- Integrated Broadband/Project 25 infrastructure and devices
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by
subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T
brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international
communications and information technology company serving
government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.
Headquartered in Melbourne,
Florida, the company has approximately $6 billion of annual revenue and more than 16,000
employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists.
Harris is dedicated to developing
best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and
services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is
available at www.harris.com.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding
company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its
subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are
the providers of AT&T services in the
United States and around the world. With a powerful array of
network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile
broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless,
Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A
leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T
also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S.
carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most
countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T
U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of
IP-based business communications services is one of the most
advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising
Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership
in local search and advertising.
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Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking
Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial
estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to
risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ
materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results
is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise
statements contained in this news release based on new information
or otherwise.
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SOURCE AT&T Inc.