New Project 25 system will provide
interoperability with local and state public safety agencies
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – 22 May 2006 – Tucson Electric Power (TEP) has selected
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) to install a new Project 25 radio communications
system. The first P25 system to be deployed by a utility in the Western United
States, the ASTRO digital trunked two-way radio system, will position TEP for
future interoperability with state and local public safety agencies.
“Hurricane Katrina put a spotlight on the importance of communications between
utilities and public safety agencies,” said Steven J. Glaser, senior vice
president and chief operating officer, Transmission and Distribution, TEP.
“Utility crews are often the first emergency responders at the scene of a
disaster and their ability to communicate and coordinate with various public
safety agencies and even other utilities is highly beneficial in restoring
service safely.”
Project 25 is the national interoperability standard for digital radio systems.
Several municipalities in Arizona have implemented Project 25 compliant systems
including Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Yuma and Marana.
TEP’s service territory covers 1,155 square miles and serves more than 380,000
customers. The new TEP system will be implemented in two phases. Initial work
will include the upgrade of existing dispatch consoles. The second phase is
expected to be concluded by year-end and will fully upgrade its existing
Motorola 7-channel SmartWorks trunked radio system to a Motorola ASTRO 7X
system.
“As Arizona communities and the state continue to transition to P25
communications systems, we’ll have the ability to immediately communicate with
all local and state users and neighbouring utilities in the event of an
emergency,” said Glaser. “The new system also ensures we’ll have the
flexibility and scalability to meet the needs of our growing community well
into the future.”
Source: Motorola press release
