[SatNews] Ensuring those who require emergency communications are able to establish contact with one another during crisis events is a critical goal for interoperable communication technologies.

Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) has received a $9 million contract from Franklin County, North Carolina, to upgrade its legacy analog emergency communications to a Harris P25(IP) (Project 25 to the power of Internet Protocol) solution. The P25(IP) trunked simulcast voice solution also includes an analog channel for tone paging and will improve radio communication, coverage and regional interoperability for agencies and first responders in the county's ten townships, which cover more than 495 square miles and serves approximately 270 users. The Harris P25(IP) trunked digital and analog simulcast system will be deployed and maintained by CII (Communications International, Inc.), a Harris sales and service partner. The customized solution will allow the county to continue sending tones and messages to analog pagers, while providing digital voice communications for public safety personnel, utilizing existing tower sites. Built to P25 standards, the radio system will provide improved interoperable communications with surrounding counties, state and federal agencies operating in the region. For enhanced interoperability communication, Franklin County has purchased 24 Unity® XG-100P portable full-spectrum multiband radios. Other radios purchased by Franklin County to operate on the Harris P25(IP) system include the Harris P5400, the first radio in the country to complete the Department of Homeland Security P25 CAP compliance process, and the M3300 multi-mode mobile radio.