Northwestern University selected Motorola Solutions (MSI) to deploy a 900 MHz ASTRO 25 Project 25 voice and integrated data communication solution. The new P25 system replaces a 14-year-old analog trunking system and will provide a standards-based IP system that enables interoperability and greater efficiency for the university community.
Features of the new system include voice, integrated data and radio programming over the air. The system will have three dispatch positions with MCC 7500 IP consoles and 911 call taking, and a MIP 5000 for remote dispatch functionality. The system consists of three simulcast sites and will expand from the previous six channels to seven.
“Northwestern University was looking for a state-of-the-art communications platform to serve the university in a cost-efficient yet technologically advanced manner,” said Kelly Kirwan, corporate VP of Motorola Solutions. “Our latest P25 advancement, an ASTRO 25 solution operating at 900MHz, is the perfect fit for its needs, and we look forward to working with universities across North America to implement similar interoperable solutions with local communities.”
In addition to voice operations, text-messaging will be available using Motorola XTS 2500 subscribers.
Northwestern’s Evanston and Chicago campus police, facilities management, events staff, sports facilities management and other support and operations staff will use the system to increase the reliability of communications for a safer campus environment.
“Northwestern looked at various options for replacing our existing trunked-simulcast system. Options at 900MHz are somewhat limited, so we anticipated having to compromise on our requirements for a standards-based replacement system,” said Don Hlinsky, IT project manager at Northwestern University. “Motorola was able to provide a P25, simulcast trunked system that met all of our technical, logistical and budgetary requirements without compromise.”
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