Boston, Ma. — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, was awarded a $14 million contract by the State of Vermont to deploy a statewide radio system for public safety first responders and state agencies.  The system meets Vermont’s specific requirements for regional and cross-border communications – connecting local, state and federal agencies within the state, and providing interoperability with agencies in neighboring states and Canada.

“Vermont’s vision for our public safety communications is clearly addressed by the Harris P25 solution, which also allows us to leverage our existing infrastructure,” said Chief J. Paul Duquette, Chair, Vermont Communications (VCOMM).  “When completed, the VCOMM system will be a modern and reliable system for Vermont public safety agencies that meets federal mandates and will support Vermont’s growing public safety communications needs well into the future.”

The P25 (Project 25) standards-based system will be built on Harris VIDA® (Voice, Interoperability, Data, Access) network technology.  The Harris VIDA Network is a cost-effective, Internet Protocol (IP)-based interoperable radio communications technology that fully complies with the emerging APCO P25 Phase 2 standards.  VIDA enables communications between new and legacy systems, delivering seamless interoperability regardless of frequency band, radio brand or operating mode.  In addition, the Harris VIDA network will efficiently utilize the state’s existing UHF and VHF frequencies and provide Vermont’s first responders with increased radio coverage with virtually no increase in the number of tower sites.

“The Harris P25 solution based on VIDA network technology enables Vermont to meet its statewide public safety communications needs today, with a flexible and powerful platform that can support new applications and technologies in the future,” said Steve Marschilok, president, Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications. 

The Harris team in Vermont includes Jacobs Telecommunications, Alcatel-Lucent, Communications International Inc., Bly Communications, Burlington Communications Service Center Inc, Rinkers and Wright Communications.

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.