Harris Corporation Announces New Integrated 700 MHz LTE Network Solutions for Public Safety Communications

HOUSTON, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- (APCO International, Booth 231)  -- Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology company, today announced Harris VIDA® Broadband LTE -- its new solution for broadband mission-critical communications for first responders.  

Harris VIDA® Broadband LTE is a complete 700 MHz Broadband LTE (Long Term Evolution) network solution that is part of the Harris VIDA (Voice, Interoperability, Data, Access) network platform for first responder communications.  The VIDA network integrates VIDA Broadband LTE with P25 (Project 25) and OpenSky® communication systems, which are in use by first responders across North America.

To bring together the unique capabilities of Harris VIDA IP-based networks with industry leading 4G/LTE network design, Harris Corporation is teaming with Nokia Siemens Networks to develop VIDA Broadband LTE for public safety communications.  The Harris network solution meets the requirements of the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) National Broadband Plan, enabling public safety agencies to seamlessly integrate their existing narrowband LMR systems into the emerging nationwide, interoperable wireless broadband network.  VIDA Broadband LTE also is designed to meet the emerging FCC cyber security and critical infrastructure survivability requirements, and will fully support the evolving technical framework for the FCC's Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC).

"Harris is excited to bring together these two extremely powerful solutions into a single, unique public safety broadband network at 700 MHz," said Steve Shanck, president, Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications.  "Working with global LTE leader Nokia Siemens Networks means that Harris can ensure that first responders will have available the next generation of voice, data and mobile video communications, yet still keep a solid and secure connection to today's narrowband networks."

Existing VIDA customers can now integrate VIDA Broadband LTE networks into their current systems, allowing for future growth in capacity and capabilities.  Likewise, new broadband customers can take advantage of the inherent interoperability of the VIDA core network to connect with legacy LMR systems.

"At Nokia Siemens Networks we recognize that there is a real need for a robust, LTE voice and data solution for public safety communications," said Robert Fennelly, Head of Government Business, Nokia Siemens Networks.  "With Harris, we are developing a way to put the benefits of true wireless broadband, such as streaming video and advanced situational awareness, into the hands of first responders."

Nokia Siemens Networks is the frontrunner in LTE and has a long track record in demonstrating technological leadership including conducting the world's first LTE call on commercial software and achieving record LTE data speeds with the first data call.

VIDA Broadband LTE will support a wide range of existing and emerging high-bandwidth applications such as streaming video, advanced situational awareness, and PTT voice-over-broadband features.  VIDA Broadband LTE also will provide users with priority and Quality of Service (QoS) controls, user authentication and air link encryption, advanced load balancing and Self-Optimizing Network Management.

The VIDA (Voice, Interoperability, Data and Access) network is a cost-effective, interoperable radio communications technology that supports OpenSky®, P25 and other IP-based (Internet Protocol) systems, while providing consistent Network Administration and Network Management applications for supported air interfaces.  It addresses voice and data communications needs of transportation, utility and public safety radio users around the world.  

Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications is a leading supplier of assured communications® systems and equipment for public safety, federal, utility, commercial and transportation markets — with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks, to industry leading multiband, multimode radios, to public safety-grade broadband video and data solutions.  With more than 80 years of experience, Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications supports over 500 systems around the world.  

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 $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 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.

SOURCE Harris Corporation