CASSIDIAN Responds to New Zealand Emergency in Record Time
Temecula, Calif., April 5, 2011– Cassidian, an EADS company, quickly responded to multiplerequests for increased mission critical communications capacity in the aftermath of a 6.3 earthquake that hit the country of New Zealand on February 22, 2011. The powerful earthquake struck near Christchurch – the country’s second largest city with a population of 386,000 – taking out buildings and power lines, and interrupting both landline and cellular networks.
The disruption of the public communications networks left the city relying heavily on its public safety radio communications system, which survived the initial quake and aftershocks without a single site going down. The network – a Cassidian CORP25 digital trunked Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system – was originally installed in 2008 by Tait Radio Communications for the New Zealand Police, a national policing agency that responds to more than 600,000 emergency calls annually.
In response to the numerous emergency rescue and relief responders flooding into the area, the first request for increased capacity to the mission critical radio network came from Tait Radio Communications less than 24 hours after the quake initially hit. Cassidian took immediate action, and within three hours workers were able to increase the Subscriber User licenses from 1700 to 2200. Two days later an additional 500 licenses were requested – this time processed in under 20 minutes. The third request, 12 hours later, was for five additional channels, which Cassidian again delivered in record time.
“We already knew that the radio network was doing a great job for the New Zealand Police and the city of Christchurch, but what we needed was performance above and beyond in this situation,” said Mike Head, Systems Manager, Tait Radio Communications. “So we were extremely satisfied when Cassidian delivered exactly what we asked for and even faster than expected,” Mr. Head added.
“We feel honored to have played a part in assisting Tait Radio Communications and the New Zealand Police respond to the crisis in Christchurch,” said Chuck Sackley, Vice President and General Manager, Cassidian Communications, Land Mobile Radio. “It is very rewarding to know that our forces were able to come together with the singular goal of helping those in need, and that the software-based nature of the CORP25 network enabled us to react as quickly as we did to the requests for more capacity,” added Mr. Sackley.
The countrywide CORP25 network currently covers three key regions – Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland – and supports more than 8,500 users.
About Tait Radio Communications (www.taitradio.com)
Tait Radio Communications is a leading international manufacturer and provider of world-class mobile voice and data communications equipment. Tait Radio Communications, a subsidiary of Tait Electronics, Ltd. based in Christchurch, New Zealand, has been a growing presence in the North American radio communications market for more than 20 years.
About the New Zealand Police (www.police.govt.nz)
New Zealand Police mission: The New Zealand Police seeks to be a world-class police service working in partnership with citizens and the community to prevent crime and road trauma, to enhance public safety and to maintain law and order.Policing services 24 hours a day: New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for reducing crime and enhancing community safety. New Zealand Police provides policing services 24 hours a day and operates from more than 400 community-based police stations around the country. New Zealand Police operates by land, sea and air, and with more than 11,000 staff, responds to more than 600,000 emergency 111 calls each year.
Functions of New Zealand Police:
- Keeping the peace
- Maintaining public safety
- Law enforcement
- Crime prevention
- Community support and reassurance
- National security
- Participation in policing activities outside New Zealand
- Emergency management
In carrying out these functions, the New Zealand Police relies on a range of partner organisations, as well as the efforts of individuals, families and communities. Policing is delivered within a networked and cooperative environment, with significant contributions from local authorities, the private security industry, Maori and Pacific wardens and members of the public to name a few.
About CASSIDIAN (www.cassidian.com)
Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2010, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.9 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 121,000.
About Cassidian Communications (www.CassidianCommunications.com)
As the largest and most trusted source of mission critical communications solutions, Cassidian Communications, an EADS North America company, is leading the way in standards-based NG9-1-1 call center applications, notification solutions and services and P25 land mobile radio systems. Headquartered in Temecula, California.
