Redmond, WA, July 29, 2011 — Zetron, a leading provider of mission-critical communications systems worldwide, announced that its Advanced Communications (Acom) system has been chosen by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to serve as the radio dispatch console component of PSE’s comprehensive new communications solution. Key features of the solution will include its flexibility, future readiness, interoperability and use of APCO Project 25 (P25) openstandards
interfaces. Tait Radio Communications’ TaitNet 200-MHz MPT-IP network will serve
as the solution’s radio infrastructure. Tait will also oversee the project implementation.

Puget Sound Energy
Puget Sound energy is the largest combined electric and gas utility in Washington State. Their current communications consist of four, full-time dispatch locations that are using two different console systems. The new solution will consolidate their operations and equipment. It will then serve as the centralized point for PSE’s dispatch communications throughout the Puget Sound region.

Excellent customer service
Charles Seese, PSE’s manager of telecommunications services, explained some of the reasons why Zetron and its Acom console were selected for the project.
“From a technical standpoint,” said Seese, “we like the Acom system. We were also impressed by Zetron’s project staging, implementation and tracking processes. In addition, from their past work with us we know Zetron has an excellent understanding of PSE’s operational requirements.”

Keeping customers’ options open
Acom’s use of P25 open-standards interfaces such as the digital fixed station interface (DFSI) and console subsystems interface (CSSI) also contributed to its being chosen for the project. Its utilization of these interfaces makes Acom compatible with any manufacturer’s equipment that also adheres to P25 open standards–including the TaitNet 200-MHz MPT-IP network. This gives customers more flexibility in their choice of equipment because it does not limit them to
the proprietary offerings of a particular manufacturer.

Flexibility, open standards and future readiness
“The new solution will not only meet the utility’s current operational needs,” said Seese, “but it will be scalable, able to meet current regulatory requirements, and capable of being expanded to support the future communications and security demands that we in the utility industry will face.”

“We are delighted to have been chosen to participate with Tait in this project,” said Zetron president and CEO, Ellen O’Hara. “It is yet another demonstration of our commitment to P25 open standards and working with manufacturers such as Tait who also support them. This solution will provide PSE with a flexible, highly interoperable system designed to meet their needs and support a wide range of equipment choices over time. It also illustrates the synergistic benefits that can result when manufacturers collaborate on behalf of customers.”

About Tait Radio Communications
Tait Radio Communications is a global leader in designing and delivering innovative, worldclass radio communications solutions for a variety of industries, including public safety, utilities and urban transport providers. Now entering its fifth decade, the company has single-mindedly pursued the vision of its founder, Sir Angus Tait. He knew that people count, experience matters and integrity is paramount. In over 150 countries and supported by an extensive network of global facilities, thousands of customers benefit from the Tait way of working: commitment to listen, courage to act and integrity to deliver what’s promised.

For more information, visit http://utilities.taitradio.com.

About Zetron
For 30 years, Zetron has been providing mission-critical communications solutions for customers in public safety, transportation, utilities, manufacturing, healthcare, and business. With offices in Redmond, Washington, U.S.A.; Hampshire, England; Brisbane, Australia and numerous field locations, Zetron supports a worldwide network of resellers and distributors. This gives Zetron a global reach as well as a local presence in the regions it serves. Zetron is a wholly owned subsidiary within JK Holdings, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.zetron.com.