WASHINGTON-M/A Com, a unit of Tyco International, beat out Motorola Inc. for an estimated $1 billion contract to build an emergency wireless network throughout the state of New York.
“Sept. 11 and other large-scale emergencies in recent years, have underscored the need to have a reliable, integrated communication system so emergency responders can talk with each other and share critical information whenever necessary,” said James Dillon, the state’s chief information officer. “The establishment of this communication system is another important step in the state’s efforts to protect New Yorkers.”
It is unclear whether Motorola will appeal the selection. M/A-COM reportedly underbid Motorola by some $2 billion. The public-safety wireless market has become lucrative in the aftermath of 9/11, with other states changing out old systems and replacing them with state-of-the art digital networks.
New York and M/A Com now enter into contract negotiations, a process that is expected to last six months.
Craig Roddy, a press spokesman for Dillon, said the New York system will operate on 700 MHz and 800 MHz frequencies. Roddy said cities and towns can decide whether to opt into the statewide system.
New York City, for its part, has solicited bids for a novel, broadband safety system at 4.9 GHz.
